Asus P7H55-M User Manual

Motherboard
P7H55-M/USB3
ii
E5846
First Edition V1 May 2010
Copyright © 2010 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.
You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,
and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machine­readable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either
(1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download; or (2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Legal Compliance Dept. 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112 Taiwan
In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.
The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.
This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.
ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code
we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the
product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).
iii
Contents
Notices ........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
P7H55-M/USB3 specications summary ................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1-1
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................
1-3
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1-7
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................
1-7
1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................
1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................
1-8
1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................
1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................
1-9
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ..............................
1-12
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .........................
1-13
1.7 System memory .........................................................................
1-14
1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................
1-14
1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................
1-15
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1-22
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1-22
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1-23
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1-23
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1-23
1.8.3 PCI slot .........................................................................
1-23
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................
1-23
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1-23
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1-24
1.10 Connectors .................................................................................
1-25
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1-25
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-26
iv
Contents
1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-32
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................
1-32
1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................
1-32
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................
2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS ...................................................
2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................
2-3
2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................
2-6
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ..........................................................
2-7
2.2.2 Menu bar .........................................................................
2-7
2.2.3 Navigation keys ...............................................................
2-7
2.2.4 Menu items .....................................................................
2-7
2.2.5 Submenu items ...............................................................
2-8
2.2.6 Conguration elds .........................................................
2-8
2.2.7 Pop-up window ...............................................................
2-8
2.2.8 Scroll bar .........................................................................
2-8
2.2.9 General help ...................................................................
2-8
2.3 Main menu ....................................................................................
2-8
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ...................................................
2-9
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .........................................
2-9
2.3.3 Language [English] .........................................................
2-9
2.3.4 SATA1~6 .........................................................................
2-9
2.3.5 Storage Conguration ...................................................
2-10
2.3.6 3rd Party Storage Conguration ...................................
2-10
2.3.7 System Information ........................................................
2-11
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................
2-12
2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................
2-12
2.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] ..............................................
2-13
2.4.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] .......................
2-13
2.4.4 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto] .........................
2-13
2.4.5 BCLK Frequency [XXX] ................................................
2-14
2.4.6 PCIE Frequency [100] ...................................................
2-14
v
Contents
2.4.7 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ............................................... 2-14
2.4.8 QPI Frequency [Auto] ...................................................
2-14
2.4.9 OC Tuner Utility .............................................................
2-14
2.4.10 OC Tuner Limit Value ....................................................
2-14
2.4.11 DRAM Timing Control [Auto] .........................................
2-14
2.4.12 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto] .................................
2-16
2.4.13 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................
2-16
2.4.14 CPU Voltage Mode [Offset] ..........................................
2-16
2.4.15 IMC Voltage [Auto] .......................................................
2-17
2.4.16 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ...................................................
2-17
2.4.17 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................
2-17
2.4.18 PCH Voltage [Auto] .......................................................
2-17
2.4.19 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto] .................
2-17
2.4.20 Auto PSI [Enabled] ........................................................
2-17
2.4.21 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] .........................................
2-17
2.4.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] ......................................
2-17
2.4.23 PCI/PCIe CLK Status [Enabled] ....................................
2-17
2.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2-18
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2-18
2.5.2 Uncore Conguration ....................................................
2-20
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
2-20
2.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................
2-21
2.5.5 PCIPnP .........................................................................
2-22
2.5.6 Intel VT-d [Disabled] ......................................................
2-22
2.6 Power menu ................................................................................
2-22
2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................
2-22
2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ..........................................
2-22
2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] .......................................
2-23
2.6.4 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................
2-23
2.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................
2-23
2.6.6 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
2-24
2.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2-25
2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2-25
2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2-26
2.7.3 Security .........................................................................
2-27
vi
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-28
2.8.1 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................
2-28
2.8.2 AI NET 2
........................................................................ 2-29
2.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
2-29
2.8.4 Express Gate [Disabled] ...............................................
2-29
2.8.5 IO LevelUp [Disabled] ...................................................
2-29
2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................
2-30
vii

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
viii

Safety information

Electrical safety
To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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 adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.
Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure 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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
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.
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>
x
P7H55-M/USB3 specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7/ Core™ i5/ Core™ i3/
Pentium® processors Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology * The Intel
®
Turbo Boost Technology support depends on the
CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
Chipset Intel® H55 Express Chipset
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 2200(O.C.)/ 2133/ 2000/ 1866/ 1800/
1600/ 1333/ 1066MHz memory modules * To achieve DDR3’s frequency of 2200 MHz, use an Intel
Core i7/ Core i5 CPU without the iGPU feature and install a VGA card. If you use Intel Core i5/ Core i3/ Pentium CPU with the iGPU feature, the maximum frequency is around
1600 MHz.
** Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP) *** Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only support one DIMM per channel. **** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
***** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows
®
32-bit operating
system.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s, gray slots) 1 x PCI slot
VGA Multi-VGA output support: HDMI and RGB ports
Supports HDMI with max. resolution of 1920x 1200 (@ 60Hz) Supports RGB with max. resolution of 2048x 1536 (@ 75 Hz)
Maximum shared memory of 1748 MB
Storage Intel® H55 Express Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors Marvell® 9123 controller:
- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports
LAN Realtek® RTL8111E Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
USB 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)
10 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at the back panel)
xi
P7H55-M/USB3 specications summary
Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel* High Denition Audio CODEC
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at mid-board and back I/O
- Support Jack-dectection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking (Only in Mic in port) * Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.
ASUS unique features ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features:
- GPU Boost
- ASUS TurboV
- ASUS Auto Tuning (Adopt Fast Mode)
- ASUS Turbo Key ASUS Power Solution:
- ASUS EPU ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink Solution
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS exclusive overclocking features
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vIMC: Adjustable IMC voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.015V increment
- vPCH: Adjustable PCH voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vCPU_PLL: Adjustable CPU_PLL voltage at 0.05V increment
- iGPU: Adjustable iGPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80 MHz up to 500 MHz at 1MHz increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increment (only for Lynneld CPUs)
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x HDMI port 1 x D-Sub port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 3.0 / 2.0 ports (blue) 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports 3 x Audio jacks (8-channel)
(continued on the next page)
xii
Internal I/O connectors
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors 6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU fan connector (4-pin) 1 x Chassis fan connector (3-pin) 1 x LPT connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x COM connector 1 x Clear CMOS jumper 1 x 24-pin EATX power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector 1 x System panel connector
BIOS 64 Mb Flash ROM, SPI, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cable
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables 1 x I/O shield 1 x User Manual
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.0 in (24.4 cm x 22.9 cm)
P7H55-M/USB3 specications summary
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
xiii

1-1 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1
Product introduction
Motherboard ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User Manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Intel® LGA1156 Lynneld / Clarkdale Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynneld and Clarkdale processors in LGA1156 package, which has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel
®
Lynneld processor is one of the most powerful and energy efcient
CPU in the world. Moreover, Intel® and Clarkdale processor integrated Graphics Procession Unit (GPU) which goes with Intel® H55 chipset with VGA out can bring you to the whole new experience of the next generation VGA performance. It also provides separated 3D, 2D, and Video Engines to execute different graphic control in hardware.

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7H55-M/USB3 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.
ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 1-2
Intel® H55
The Intel® H55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156 socket Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5/ Core™ i3/ Pentium® processors. Intel® H55 provides improved performance by
utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and
stability. Use Intel® Core™ i5 6 Series, Core™ i3 5 Series, and Pentium® CPU with H55 Express Chipset to enjoy the latest Intel® integrated graphic performance.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2200 (O.C.) MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates up to 2200 (O.C.) MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements
of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
HDMI support
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video
standards that deliver multi-channel digital audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jack. It allows digital audio transfer and keeps the best signal quality.
8-channel audio CODEC
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel High
Denition Audio CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio
output, jack-sensing feature, and multi-streaming technology.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
1-3 Chapter 1: Product introduction
True USB 3.0 support
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8 Gb/s with USB 3.0, which is the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with the next­generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10x faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.
Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s support
Adopting MARVELL’s professional SATA 6 Gb/s solution, which supports
the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. This motherboard also provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games—with just one touch!
ASUS TurboV
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or
rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC proles in TurboV provides
the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best
graphics performance. User-friendly UI facilitates exible frequency and voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver multiple overclocking proles
also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
ASUS Auto Tuning
ASUS Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. Even O.C. beginners can achieve an extreme yet stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning.
ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 1-4
ASUS Express Gate
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS, which lets you instantly access the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and ash
drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or
ash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the
computer.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drives. It supports le downloading to USB drives only.
Stylish Heatsink
The crystal-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautiful shape upgrades the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the heatsink design lowers the temperature of the chipset and power phase area through
high efcient heat-exchange. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the
ASUS crystal-shaped heatsink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant appearance!
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can
be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving you the freedom to share
and distribute your favorite settings.
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.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to
restore a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.
1-5 Chapter 1: Product introduction
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after turning on the system, and any faulty cable connections are reported back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. 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 parameters to their default settings.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line
with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable
products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact on the environment.
ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 1-6

1.4 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, 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, or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you must 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.
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
P
7
H
5
5
-
M
/
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B
3
P7H55-M/USB3 Onboard LED
1-7 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.5.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.2 Screw holes

Place six 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
P7H55-M/USB3
ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 1-8

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

P7H55-
M
/USB3
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
LPT
USB1112 USB910 USB78
AAFP
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
ICS
954 A4
ALC 887
RTL
8111E
KB_USB56
64Mb BIOS
Marvell
9123
SB_PWR
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA1156
Intel
®
H55
DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
LAN1_USB12
NEC
176
USB_3.0_12
SATA1
SATA3
SATA5
SATA2
SATA4
SATA6
SATA_6G_2 SATA_6G_1
COM1
PANEL
SPDIF_O2
HDMI
COM1
22.9cm(9.0in)
321 41
2
6
5
7
9 81012 1113

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1)
1-28 8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910,
USB1112)
1-3-
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin ATX12V)
1-27 9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-31
3. LGA1156 CPU socket 1-9 10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-28
4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-14 11. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-27
5. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-6 12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-29
6. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-24 13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-26
7. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 1-29
1-9 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium® processors.
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1156 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU.
2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), and then move it to the right (B) until it is released from the retention tab.
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab
P
7
H
5
5
-
M
/
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B
3
P7H55-M/USB3 CPU socket LGA1156
ASUS P7H55-M/USB3 1-10
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted.
Load plate
4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket by lifting the tab only.
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!
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment keys
CPU notches
5. Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket, and
then t the socket alignment keys into
the CPU notches.
PnP cap
Cap tab
1-11 Chapter 1: Product introduction
7. Close the load plate (A), and then push down the load lever (B), ensuring that the front edge of the load plate slides under the retention knob (C).
B
A
C
8. Insert the load lever under the retention tab.
6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material 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. DO NOT eat it. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin, wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help.
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