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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Page 3
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices ........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
P5Q WS specications summary .............................................................. xi
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................ A-3
vi
Page 7
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
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
Page 8
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
qualied 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 qualied
service technician or your retailer.
viii
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
Page 9
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
ix
Page 10
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
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 /iP5Q-WS.ROM
x
Page 11
P5Q WS specications summary
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad
ChipsetNorthbridge: Intel® P45
System Bus1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz
MemoryDual-channel memory architecture
Expansion Slots2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots (@x16, x0 or x8, x8 speed)
StorageIntel® ICH10R Southbridge
LAN2 x Realtek® 8111C Dual Gigabit LAN controllers
High Denition audioRealtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition Audio
IEEE 1394LSI Agere® FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a
USB12 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at
/ Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dual core / Celeron® processors
Intel® EM64T / EIST / Hyper-Threading Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list
Southbridge: Intel® ICH10R
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
non-ECC DDR2 1200 / 1066 / 800 / 667 MHz
memory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
*When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3 GB is recommended.
2 x PCIe x1 slots
1 x PCI-X slot
1 x PCI 2.2 slot
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1, 10, and 5RAID 0,1, 10, and 5
congurations
Form FactorATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.5cm)
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical) port
2 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE1394a port
2 x RJ45 ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors (red)
3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x S/PDIF OUT connector
1 x CD audio in
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
1 x 20-pin Panel connector
SMBIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader ver 8.0
Microsoft Direct X ver 9.0C
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
xiii
Page 14
xiv
Page 15
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies it
supports.
1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2
ASUS P5Q WS
Page 17
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5Q WS 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 WS
I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 + 1-port 1394 (4-pin) module
Cables Serial ATA signal cable for 6 devicesSerial ATA signal cable for 6 devices
Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)1 x G.P. Diagnosis card (Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS P5Q WS1-1
Page 18
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packagings to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™2 Duo
Processor Support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™ 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking,
multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. The
Intel® Core™ 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world.
This motherboard also supports Intel® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing
process.
Intel P45 Chipset
The Intel® P45 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support dualchannel DDR2 800 / 667 architecture, 1333 / 1066 / 800 FSB (Front Side Bus),
PCIe 2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It especially includes Intel® Fast Memory Access
technology that signicantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and
reduces the latency of the memory accesses.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page 2-18 for details.See page 2-18 for details.
Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s
storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus
bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located
at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos,
videos and other entertainment contents to external devices. See pages 2-22 andSee pages 2-22 and
2-26 for details.
1-2Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Page 19
Dual RAID solution
The Intel® ICH10R chipset incorporates six Serial ATA connectors with high
performance RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 functions, and the Marvell
another two external Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0 and 1 functions, making this
motherboard an ideal solution to enhance hard disk performance and data back up
protection without the cost of add-on cards.
®
controller provides
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network gateway
for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability ensures rapid
transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or latency. SeeSee
page 2-22 for details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals &
other PC portable devices. See pages 2-22 and 2-28 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while
playing multi-channel network games. See page 2-22 for details.See page 2-22 for details.
ASUS P5Q WS1-3
Page 20
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at any time! See
pages 3-41 and 4-31 to 4-39 for details.
The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
ASUS Power Saving Solution
ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced
computing power and energy consumption.
ASUS EPU-WS Engine
The new ASUS EPU—the world’s rst power saving engine, has been
upgraded to a new WS-engine version, which provides total system power
savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power
in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the
CPU, VGA card, drives, and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the
most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking—
helping save power and money. See pages 4-21 to 4-24 for details.
ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design
The ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design provides highly efcient
operation to generate less heat (at least 18°C (32.4°F)) than other
conventional power solutions. It reduces input ripple current and output ripple
voltage, which keeps CPU and power module from suffering the risk of high
power stress. It has the advantages of quick transient response and stability,
especially benecial when CPU requires more current immediately under
heavy loading or overclocking mode.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 4-27 forSee page 4-27 for
details.
1-4Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Page 21
ASUS Workstation Features
ASUS Workstation features provide complete support to system maintenance and
storage technology.
G.P. Diagnosis card
Bundled with P5Q WS motherboard (retail version), the G.P. Diagnosis card
assists users in system checking by effortlessly and quickly providing precise
system checks right after they switch on their PCs. See page 2-36 for details.
ASUS SASsaby cards support
This motherboard is fully compatible with ASUS SASsaby cards (optional).
Faster, safer and more stable, SAS will provide users with a better choice for
storage expansion and upgrade needs.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to
the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing
airow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative
heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless
design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. Furthermore, it
provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive cooler. The Heat
Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
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 proles offer exible controls of fan speed to
achieve a quiet and cool environment. See pages 4-28 and 4-29 for details.
ASUS P5Q WS1-5
Page 22
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—
making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections. See page 2-35 for details.See page 2-35 for details.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be
stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and
distribute their favorite settings. See page 3-42 for details.See page 3-42 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened
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 3-5 and 3-40 for details.See pages 3-5 and 3-40 for details.
1-6Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Page 23
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 3-8 for details.
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 4-9 for details.See page 4-9 for details.
1.3.3 ASUS Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features
AI Booster
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 4-30 for details.See page 4-30 for details.
Precision Tweaker 2
Allows the user to adjust the NB Voltage, FSB termination Voltage, CPU PLL
Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to netune voltages to achieve the
most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking conguration.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS
default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system
hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis
and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS
automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.
ASUS P5Q WS1-7
Page 24
1-8Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Page 25
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.
information
Hardware
2
Page 26
Chapter summary
2
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.9 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-38
2.10 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-39
ASUS P5Q WS
Page 27
2.1 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows
the location of the onboard LED.
ASUS P5Q WS2-1
Page 28
2.2 Motherboard overview
2.2.1 Motherboard layout
Refer to
2.7 Connectors
internal connectors.
2-2Chapter 2: Hardware information
for more information about rear panel connectors and
Page 29
2.2.2 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/SlotsPage
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)2-33
2. LGA775 CPU Socket2-6
3. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN;
3-pin CHA_FAN1/2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)
6. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU; 3-pin OV_NB)
7. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)2-24
8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) 2-25
9. ICH10R Serial ATA connectors [red] (7-pin SATA1-6)2-26
10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)2-19
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)2-34
12. Onboard LED (SB_PWR)2-1
13. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)2-32
14. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112)2-27
15. PCI-X Speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED)2-21
16. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)2-28
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-31
18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)2-30
19. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)2-31
2-29
2-20
ASUS P5Q WS2-3
Page 30
2.2.3 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis
as indicated in the image below.
2.2.4 Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
2-4Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 31
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium
®
dual-core /
Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® Processors.
• Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
• If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.
• Due to the chipset limitation, we recommend you use FSB 800MHz CPU or
above.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.
ASUS P5Q WS2-5
Page 32
2.3.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.
2. Press the load lever with your
thumb (A), then move it to the left
Retention tab
(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 forenger to a 100º angle (4A),
then push the PnP cap from the
A
B
Load lever
PnP cap
Load plate
4B
load plate window to remove (4B).
4A
3
2-6Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 33
5. Position the CPU over the socket,
making sure that the gold triangle
is on the bottom-left corner of the
socket then t the socket alignment
key into the CPU notch.
CPU notch
The CPU ts in only one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the connectors on the
socket and damaging the CPU!
6. Apply several drops of thermal
paste to the exposed area of the
CPU that the heatsink will be in
contact with, ensuring that it is
spread in an even thin layer.
Some heatsinks come with preapplied thermal paste. If so,
skip this step.
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
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger
directly.
ASUS P5Q WS2-7
Page 34
7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into
the retention tab.
The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.
A
B
2-8Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 35
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certied 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, make sure
that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that the
four fasteners match the holes on
the motherboard.
B
A
B
2. Push down two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to secure the
A
heatsink and fan assembly in place.
A
B
ASUS P5Q WS2-9
B
1
A
1
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to
the CPU fan connector.
Page 36
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled
CPU_FAN.
DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.
2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.
B
A
B
3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to disengage the
A
heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.
A
B
B
A
4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.
2-10Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 37
2.4 System memory
2.4.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
ChannelSockets
Channel ADIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel BDIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
ASUS P5Q WS2-11
Page 38
2.4.2 Memory congurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB non-ECC, unbuffered, 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
conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then
mapped for single-channel operation.
• It is recommended to install the memory modules from the yellow slots for
better overclocking capability.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.
• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize
less than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical
functions. This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation
system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).
• If you install Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of
less than 3GB is recommended.
• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips.
• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on
the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB
DIMMs on each slot.
64-bit
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
®
Windows
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its SPD. Under
the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendormarked or at a higher frequency, see section
manual memory frequency adjustment.
• The memory modules may require a better cooling system to work stably
under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting.
SS - Single-sided / DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:
• A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel
memory conguration.
• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots
or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.
• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots
as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.
Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-1066/800/667MHz QVL.
2-14Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 41
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.
To install a DIMM
1. Unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket
by pressing the retaining clips
outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the DIMM
matches the break on the socket.
Unlocked retaining clip
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT
force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
1
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket
until the retaining clips snap back
in place and the DIMM is properly
seated.
Locked Retaining Clip
2.5.4 Removing a DIMM
To remove a DIMM
1. Simultaneously press the
retaining clips outward to unlock
the DIMM.
1
2
DDR2 DIMM notch
1
2
1
DDR2 DIMM notch
Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
ASUS P5Q WS2-15
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2.5 Expansion slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card:
1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 3 for information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share
IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.
2-16Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 43
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
IRQPriorityStandard function
01System timer
12Keyboard controller
2
311IRQ holder for PCI steering*
412Communications port (COM1)*
513IRQ holder for PCI steering*
614Floppy disk controller
715IRQ holder for PCI steering*
83System CMOS/Real Time Clock
94IRQ holder for PCI steering*
105IRQ holder for PCI steering*
116IRQ holder for PCI steering*
127PS/2 compatible mouse port*
138Numeric data processor
149IRQ holder for PCI steering*
1510IRQ holder for PCI steering*
* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
PCI1shared–––––––
1394 (FW322)–––shared––––
LAN 1 (8111C)shared–––––––
LAN 2 (8111C)shared–––––––
Marvell 6121––shared––––
PCIEX16_1shared–––––––
PCIEX16_2shared–––––––
PCIEX1_1shared–––––––
PCIEX1_2shared–––––––
PCIX_1shared––––––
USB controller 1––––––shared
USB controller 2––shared––––
USB controller 3––shared–––––
USB controller 4shared–––––––
USB controller 5shared––––––
USB controller 6––––shared––
USB 2.0 controller 1––––––shared
USB 2.0 controller 2––shared–––––
SATA controller 1–shared–––––
SATA controller 2––shared––––
–Re-direct to IRQ#9
ABCDEFGH
ASUS P5Q WS2-17
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2.5.4 PCI slot
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other
cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location
of the slot.
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for
the location of the slot.
2.5.6 PCI-X slot
The PCI-X slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and
other cards that comply with PCI-X 1.0 specications. Refer to the gure below forRefer to the gure below for
the location of the slots.
2.5.7 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots
This motherboard has two PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support PCI Express
2.0 x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the
gure below for the location of the slots.
PCI1 slot
PCIX_1 slot
PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (black)
PCIe x1_2 slot
PCIe x1_1 slot
PCIe x16_1 slot (blue)
This motherboard supports the ASUS SASsaby cards (optional) for SAS Hard
disk drive support. For SASsaby M, install the card to the PCIe 2.0 x16 slots.
For SASsaby 1064E, install the card to the black PCIe 2.0 x16 slot only.
2-18Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 45
2.6 Jumpers
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters
by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery
powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such
as system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on
pins 2-3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move
the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS
clearance, reinstall the battery.
• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to
overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.
• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R.
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the
power cord before rebooting the system.
ASUS P5Q WS2-19
Page 46
2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU; 3-pin OV_NB)
These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the advanced CPU and
Northbridge overvoltage settings in BIOS. Read the following information
before you change the jumper settings. Set to pins 1-2 to activate the
advanced CPU / Northbridge overvoltage feature.
OV_CPUOV_NB
Pins 2-3 (Default)up to 1.70Vup to 1.91V
Pins 1-2 (OV Enabled)up to 2.10Vup to 2.21V
• Before you change the jumper settings for extra-high overvoltage ability,
use the BIOS items introduced in
CPU and Northbridge performance. Make sure your system function well
under the highest BIOS voltage settings before you change the setting of
these two jumpers.
• Refer to
• DO NOT set the OV_CPU jumper to pins 1-2 when you install a new CPU
• The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling
3.4 Ai Tweaker
overvoltage settings.
and have not booted for the rst time. Doing so may cause the system to
halt. For system failure due to the wrong setting of the OV_CPU jumper,
shut down the computer and move the cap back to pins 2-3.
system) to work stably under high voltage settings.
for more information about CPU and Northbridge
3.4 Ai Tweaker
rst to adjust the desired
2-20Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 47
3. PCI-X Speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED)
This jumper allows you to set the PCI-X slot’s maximum frequency capability.
The jumper cap on pins 1-2: 133 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot.
The jumper cap on pins 2-3: 100 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot.
ASUS P5Q WS2-21
Page 48
2.7 Connectors
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or
mouse.
2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device
via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.
3. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area
Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN
port LED indications.
4. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.
5. *LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area
Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN
port LED indications.
*To compliant with Energy Star 4.0, this port does not support WOL (Wake on LAN) function.
LAN port LED indications
Activity/Link LEDSpeed LED
StatusDescriptionStatusDescription
OFFNo linkOFF10 Mbps connection
GREENLinkedORANGE100 Mbps connection
BLINKINGData activityGREEN1 Gbps connection
6. Center/Subwoofer port (orange).
This port connects the center/subwoofer
ACT/LINK
LED
LAN port
SPEED
LED
speakers.
7. Rear Speaker Out port (black).
This port connects the rear speakers in a
4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration..
8. Line In port (light blue).
This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or
other audio sources.
2-22Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 49
9. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In
4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port
becomes Front Speaker Out.
10. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
11. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an
8-channel audio conguration.
Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration
Port
Light BlueLine InLine InLine InLine In
LimeLine OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker Out
PinkMic InMic InMic InMic In
Orange––Center/SubwooferCenter/Subwoofer
Black–Rear Speaker OutRear Speaker OutRear Speaker Out
Gray–––Side Speaker Out
Headset
2-channel
4-channel6-channel8-channel
12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
13. External SATA port. This port connects to an external Serial ATA hard disk
drive.
DO NOT insert different connectors to the external SATA port.
14. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
15. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device
via an optical S/PDIF cable.
16. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
ASUS P5Q WS2-23
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2.7.2 Internal connectors
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the
signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.
2-24Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 51
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There
are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black,
and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector,
then select one of the following modes to congure your device.
Drive jumper setting
Single deviceCable-Select or Master-Black
Cable-Select
Two devices
• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100 IDE devices.
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.
MasterMaster
SlaveSlave
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.
Mode of
device(s)
MasterBlack
SlaveGray
Cable connector
Black or gray
ASUS P5Q WS2-25
Page 52
3. ICH10R Serial ATA connectors [red] (7-pin SATA1-6)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives and optical disc drives.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5,
and 10 conguration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology through the
onboard Intel® ICH10R RAID controller.
•
These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these
connectors, set the Congure SATA as item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See
section 3.3.6 Storage Conguration for details.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to 4.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations or
the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
• When using the connectors in Standard IDE mode, connect the primary
(boot) hard disk drive to the SATA1/2 connector. Refer to the table below
for the recommended SATA hard disk drive connections.
Serial ATA hard disk drive connection
ConnectorColorSettingUse
SATA 1/2RedMasterBoot disk
SATA 3/4RedSlaveBoot/Data disk
SATA 5/6RedMasterBoot disk
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 conict with huge graphics
cards.
2-26Chapter 2: Hardware information
right angle side
Page 53
4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; 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
specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
If your chassis supports front panel USB ports, you can attach a front panel
USB cable to these connectors. Connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector
(USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector
onboard.
ASUS P5Q WS2-27
Page 54
5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!
You can attach a FireWire/1394 cable to this connector if your chassis suppots
the front panel IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector
(1394, red) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector
onboard.
2-28Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 55
6. CPU, chassis and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1/2, 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–7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan7 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. Insufcient air
ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are
not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
• Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN 1/2 connectors support the ASUS Fan
Xpert feature.
• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2
for better thermal environment.
ASUS P5Q WS2-29
Page 56
7. 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.
8. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s).
The S/PDIF out cable is purchased separately.
2-30Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 57
9. 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-denition front panel audio
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio
capability.
• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this
connector, make sure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set
to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect an AC' 97 front panel audio module
to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. Refer to 3.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration for details.
10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)
This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
ASUS P5Q WS2-31
Page 58
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional]
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can
securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system
also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.
2-32Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 59
12. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs
are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.
• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)
and provides a minimum power of 400 W.
• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the
system will not boot.
• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when
conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability.
• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.
ASUS P5Q WS2-33
Page 60
13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
•
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
•
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.
2-34Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 61
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 QConnector.
1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector
to know the detailed pin denitions, then
match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.
2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.
3. The front panel functions are now enabled.
The gure shows the Q-Connector properly
installed on the motherboard.
ASUS P5Q WS2-35
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2.8 G.P. Diagnosis card installation
2.8.1 G.P. Diagnosis card layout
LED 0 and 1
Power Switch. Press
to turn ON or OFF the
2.8.2 Installing G.P. Diagnosis card
1. Locate the TPM connector (20-1
pin TPM) on the motherboard (Refer
to page 2-32 for the connector
location).
computer.
Reset Button.
Press to restart the
computer.
Card connector
Make sure to turn off the power supply unit before instaling the diagnosis card to
avoid electrical shock hazard.
2. With the LEDs of the diagnosis
card facing to the DIMM sockets,
align the card connector with the
TPM connector and press rmly
until the card sits on the connector
completely.
2-36Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 63
2.8.3 G.P. Diagnosis card check codes
Initiate chip
D0
Enable IO device for bootlock
D1
Check and wake up system
D2
Prepare system for memory detection
D3
and sizing
Memory test
D4
Copy BIOS from ROM to RAM
D5
Early CPU initiation
C0
Wake up AP
C5
Initiate KBC8042
0A
Detect PS2 mouse
0B
Detect PS2 keyboard
0C
USB initiation
38
Display USB devices
52
Initiate VGA BIOS
2A
Detect IDE
75
Initiate option ROM
78
Show post error
85
Enter BIOS setup
87
BIOS boot menu
A4
OS in PIC mode
AC
OS in APIC mode
AA
S1
01
S3
03
S4
04
S5
05
Resume from S1
10
Resume from S3
30
Resume from S4
40
Leave BIOS and pass control to OS
00
ASUS P5Q WS2-37
Page 64
2.9 Starting up for the rst time
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Be sure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are
running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed
a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your
retailer for assistance.
BIOS BeepDescription
One short beepVGA detected
One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps
One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
No memory detected
No VGA detected
Hardware component failure
7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
2-38Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 65
2.10 Turning off the computer
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function
If you are using Windows® Vista:
1. Click the Start button and then select Shut Down.
2. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.
If you are using Windows® XP:
1. Click the Start button and 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.
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.6 Power Menu for
details.
ASUS P5Q WS2-39
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2-40Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 67
This chapter tells how to change the
system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS
parameters are also provided.
BIOS setup
3
Page 68
Chapter summary
3
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-9
3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-12
3.4 Ai Tweaker .................................................................................. 3-17
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-24
3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-32
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-36
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-40
3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-44
ASUS P5Q WS
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3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.
1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)
2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)
3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk)
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.
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:
• Save the current BIOS le
• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet
• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le
• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and
• View the BIOS version information.
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Installing ASUS Update
To install ASUS Update:
1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.
3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
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Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.
2. Select Update BIOS from the
Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.
3-2Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network trafc, or
click Auto Select. Click Next.
Page 71
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.
5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.
The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le
To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:
1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.
2. Select Update BIOS from a le
option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.
3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open
window, then click Open.
4. Follow the screen instructions to
P5Q-WS.ROM
complete the update process.
P5Q-WS
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3.1.2 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 Start 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.
2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy
disk.
format
A:/S then press <Enter>.
3-4Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 73
3.1.3 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/X16
Current ROM
BOARD: P5Q-WS
VER: 0121
DATE: 05/20/2008
PATH: A:\
A:
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2
and press <Enter> to enable it.
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le
is found. Then press <Enter>.
4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update
process and automatically reboots the system when done.
• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk
with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!
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3.1.4 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
• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.
• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.
1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to
the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.
2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:
afudos /o[lename]
where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric
characters for the extension name.
A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom
Main lename Extension name
3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.
A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading ash ..... done
Write to le...... ok
A:\>
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.
Updating the BIOS le
To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:
1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.
3-6Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 75
Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.
2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to
the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.
3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:
afudos /i[lename]
where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy
disk.
A:\>afudos /iP5Q-WS.ROM
4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.
A:\>afudos /iP5Q-WS.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS
Reading le ....... done
Reading ash ...... done
Advance Check ......
Erasing ash ...... done
Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!
5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.
A:\>afudos /iP5Q-WS.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:\>
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3.1.5 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, the oppy disk,
or the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le.
Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash disk
containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
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
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk
To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:
1. Insert the 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!
3-8Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 77
3.2 BIOS setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update
using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your
BIOS.
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure
your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the
conguration 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 recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the
SPI chip.
The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up
the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.
Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility;
otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if
the rst two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.
• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the
Exit Menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu.
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for
this motherboard.
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3.2.1 BIOS menu screen
Menu bar
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
System Time [11:55:25]
System Date [Fri 05/23/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
Sub-menu items
Conguration eldsMenu items
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
General help
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.
Use [+] or [-]
to congure the
System Time.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Navigation keys
3.2.2 Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main For changing the basic system conguration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)
conguration
Boot For changing the system boot conguration
Tools For conguring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default
settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
3.2.3 Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.
The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.
3-10Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 79
3.2.4 Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar
displays the specic items for that
menu. For example, selecting Main
shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.
System Time [11:56:54]
System Date [Wed 04/30/2008]
Floppy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.
3.2.6 Conguration elds
These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.
A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Refer to 3.2.7 Pop-up window.
3.2.7 Pop-up window
Select a menu item then press <Enter>
to display a pop-up window with the
conguration options for that item.
3.2.8 Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.
Pop-up window
Scroll bar
3.2.9 General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.
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3.3 Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.
Refer to section 3.2.1 BIOS menuscreen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
System Time [11:55:25]
System Date [Fri 05/23/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Language [English]
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.
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.
Conguration 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.
Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the
Southbridge chip. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]
• If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].
• If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. The AHCI allows
the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that
increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive
to internally optimize the order of commands.
• If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel
Matrix Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk
drives, set this item to [RAID].
3-14Chapter 3: BIOS setup
®
Page 83
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if the device
is accessed through BIOS.
Conguration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.
Selects the boot time out value for ACHI CD/DVD devices.
Congifuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Some SATA CD/DVD in
AHCI mode need to
wait ready longer.
AHCI Port1–6 [XXXX]
Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.
Main
AHCI Port1
Device :Not Detected
SATA Port1 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]
SATA Port1 [Auto]
Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]
Allows you to set the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology.
Congration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5Q WS3-15
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Select the type
of devices connected
to the system.
Page 84
3.3.8 System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS
automatically detects the items in this menu.
Main
Bios Information
Version : 0121
Build Date : 05/20/08
Processor
Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @
2.66GHz
Speed : 2666MHz
Count : 2
System Memory
Usable Size : 2048MB
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
Bios Information
Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.
Processor
Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.
System Memory
Displays the auto-detected system memory.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Select Screen
Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
3-16Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 85
3.4 Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items.
Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
The default values of the following items vary depending on the CPU and
memory modules you install on the motherboard.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Congure System Performance Settings
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]
1st Information : 5-5-5-15-3-44-5-3
2nd Information : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information : 13-5-1-6-6
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
LVL : 12 12 12 12
******** Please key in numbers directly! ********
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Manual
Auto
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Scroll down to display the following items:
CPU Voltage [Auto]
CPU GTL Reference(0/2) [Auto]
CPU GTL Reference(1/3) [Auto]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]
Memory Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]
NB GTL Reference [Auto]
SB Voltage [Auto]
PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]
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 frequency. You can also type the desired frequency using the numeric
keypad. The values range from 200 to 800. Refer to the table below for the correct
Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization
Front Side BusFSB 1600FSB 1333FSB 1066FSB 800
CPU External Frequency400 MHz333 MHz266 MHz200 MHz
PCIE Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the frequency or type the desired frequency using the numeric keypad. The valuesype the desired frequency using the numeric keypad. The values. The values
range from 100 to 180.
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be adjusted automatically by FSB
Frequency and DRAM Frequency.
The DRAM Frequency conguration options vary with the FSB Frequency
item settings.
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
3-18Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 87
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]
• The following sub-items apprear only when you set the DRAM Timing
Control item to [Manual].
• The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending
on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.
1st Information : 5-5-5-15-3-44-5-3 (These values are auto-detected)
CAS# Latency [5 DRAM Clocks]
Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]�[11 DRAM Clocks]–[11 DRAM Clocks][11 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [5 DRAM Clocks]
Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]�[17 DRAM Clocks]
[18 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# Precharge Time [5 DRAM Clocks]
Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]�[17 DRAM Clocks]
[18 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge Time [15 DRAM Clocks]
Conguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks]�[17 DRAM Clocks]
[18 DRAM Clocks]
RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
Row Refresh Cycle Time [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks]
[30 DRAM Clocks] [35 DRAM Clocks]–[80 DRAM Clocks] [85 DRAM Clocks]–[80 DRAM Clocks] [85 DRAM Clocks][80 DRAM Clocks] [85 DRAM Clocks][85 DRAM Clocks]
[105 DRAM Clocks] [132 DRAM Clocks]
Write Recovery Time [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
Read to Precharge Time [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
2nd Information : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6 (These values are auto-detected)
READ to WRITE Delay(S/D) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE to READ Delay(S) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE to READ Delay(D) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
ASUS P5Q WS3-19
Page 88
READ To READ Delay(S) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
READ To READ Delay(D) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE To WRITE Delay(S) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE To WRITE Delay(D) [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
3rd Information : 13-5-1-6-6 (These values are auto-detected)
WRITE to PRE Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[31 DRAM Clocks]
READ to PRE Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
PRE to PRE Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[3 DRAM Clocks]
ALL PRE to ACT Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
ALL PRE to REF Delay [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks]�[15 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]
Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
DRAM Read Training [Auto]
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
MEM. OC Charger [Auto]
Enable this item to increase DRAM overclockability.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
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.
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 or type theype the
desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 1 to 31.. 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
The following ten (10) items 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.
CPU Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage. The values range from 0.85000V to
2.0000V* with a 0.00625V interval.
• Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage.
Setting a high VCore voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and
setting a low VCore voltage may make the system unstable.
• *The value [2.0000V] of the CPU Voltage item is supported only if the
OV_CPU jumper is enabled; otherwise the maximum voltage supported is
[1.70000V]. See 2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-20
for details.
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.370x
to 0.760x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.410x
to 0.800x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.
ASUS P5Q WS3-21
Page 90
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.78V with
a 0.02V interval.
FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the front side bus termination voltage. The values range from
1.20V* to 1.90V with a 0.02V interval.
*The minimum value of this item becomes 1.10V when a 45nm CPU is installed.
Memory Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the memory voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 3.08V with
a 0.02V interval.
NB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 2.06V*
with a 0.02V interval.
• The value [2.06V] of the NB Voltage item is supported only if the OV_NB
jumper is enabled, otherwise the maximum voltage supported is [1.76V].
See 2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-20 for details.
• Setting the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, Memory Voltage and NB Voltage items to a high level may damage the chipset,
memory module and CPU permanently. Proceed with caution.
• Some values of the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, Memory Voltage and NB Voltage items are labeled in different color,
indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings. Refer to the table below
for details.
• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high
voltage settings.
BlueYellowPurpleRed
CPU PLL Voltage1.50V–1.78V1.80V–2.00V2.02V–2.20V2.22V–2.78V
FSB Termination Voltage 1.20V–1.38V1.40V–1.90VN/AN/A
NB Voltage1.10V–1.26V1.28V–1.40V1.42V–1.58V1.60V–2.06V
3-22Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 91
NB GTL Reference [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge GTL voltage reference. Different ratio might
enhance CPU overclocking ability. The values range from 0.370x to 0.760x with a
0.005x interval.
SB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the South Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V
with a 0.10V interval.
PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the PCI Express SATA voltage. The values range from 1.50V to
1.80V with a 0.10V interval.
Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode. Set to [Disabled] to follow Intel
specications, or to [Enabled] to improve CPU VDroop directly.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
ASUS P5Q WS3-23
Page 92
3.5 Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect
eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Congure CPU.
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
3.5.1 CPU Conguration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.
The items shown in this screen may vary with CPU model.
Advanced
Congure advanced CPU settings
Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E6750 @
2.66GHz
Frequency :2.66GHz
FSB Speed :1332 MHz
Cache L1 :64 KB
Cache L2 :4096 KB
Ratio Status: Unlocked (Min:06, Max:09)
Ratio Actual Value:8
CPUID :6FB
Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
NOTE: If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
3-24Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 93
Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto]
Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
The Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple
operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually
function as several systems.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]
This function enables the overheated CPU to throttle the clock speed to cool down.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero
(0). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following items appear only when you set the Ratio CMOS Setting item to
[Auto].
Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech [Enabled]
When set to [Disabled], the CPU runs at its default speed. When set to [Enabled],
the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]
Allows you enable or disable the Intel® C-STATE Technology. When enabled, the
CPU idle is set to C2/C3/C4.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5Q WS3-25
Page 94
3.5.2 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 Conguration
NEC PCI-X Hub Conguration
North Bridge Conguration
Advanced
North Bridge Chipset Conguration
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]
PCI MMIO Allocation: 4GB To 3328MB
Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the remapping of the overlapped PCI memory
above the total physical memory. Enable this option only when you install
64-bit operating system.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]
Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot
device. Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Congure North Bridge
features.
ENABLE: Allow
remapping of
overlapped PCI memory
above the total
physical memory.
DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.
NEC PCI-X Hub Conguration
Advanced
Congure advanced settings for PCI-X Hub
PCI Bus Frequency [Auto]
I/O Port Decode [4K Decode]
RAS Sticky Error Handling [Clear Errors]
VGA 16-Bit Decode [Enabled]
3-26Chapter 3: BIOS setup
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
This question will
allow to select the
maximum PCI bus speed
to be programmed.
Default will always
be set to AUTO where
bus speed will be
decided based on the
capabilities of the
device on that bus.
Page 95
PCI Bus Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to select the PCI bus speed. When this item is set to [Auto], PCI
bus runs at the speed determined by the device installed.
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
SPDIF OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF]
Realtek Gigabit LAN [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Realtek Gigabit LAN2 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Agere Firewire 1394 [Enabled]
Marvell IDE/eSATA [Legacy Mode]
IDE/eSATA Boot ROM [Enabled]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
High Denition Audio [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio controller. The following
two items appear only when you set this item to [Enabled].
Conguration 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-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front
panel audio module supports. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]
SPDIF OUT Mode Setting [SPDIF]
Allows you to set the digital audio connector (SPDIF) mode to SPDIF or
HDMI depending on the audio device you use.
Conguration options: [SPDIF] [HDMI]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Enable or Disable
High Denition Audio
Controller
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Realtek Gigabit LAN1/2 [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Realtek LAN port1/2.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you enable the previous item.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Agere Firewire 1394 [Enabled]
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
3-28Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Page 97
Marvell IDE/eSATA [Legacy Mode]
Allows you to disable the onboard Marvell IDE/eSATA controller or set its mode.
Allows you to enable or disable the support for legacy USB devices. Setting to
[Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected,
the legacy USB support is disabled.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
3.5.5 PCIPnP
The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices.
Advanced
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.
Plug And Play O/S [No]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
Plug And Play O/S [No]
When set to [NO], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to
[YES] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system
congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
NO: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
ASUS P5Q WS3-31
Page 100
3.6 Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the
conguration options.
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
Add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration 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.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-32Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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