Asus P7P55D-E LX User Manual

P7P55D-E LX

Motherboard

E5147

First Edition December 2009

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing 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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, 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 defined 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 notification 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).

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

Notices ......................................................................................................... vi

Safety information ..................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................... viii

P7P55D-E LX specications summary ..................................................... ix

Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-1

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1

1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-2

1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-2

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-2

1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-2

1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-3

1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-3

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-4

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-4

1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 1-7

1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ........................... 1-8

1.7 System memory ........................................................................... 1-9

1.7.1 Overview ......................................................................... 1-9

1.7.2 Memory configurations .................................................. 1-10

1.8 Expansion slot ............................................................................ 1-17

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-17

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-17

1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-17

1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................ 1-18

1.10 Onboard switches ...................................................................... 1-19

1.11 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-21

1.11.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-21

1.11.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-22

1.11.3 Onboard LEDs .............................................................. 1-28

1.12 Installing an operating system ................................................. 1-29

1.13 Support DVD information .......................................................... 1-29

1.13.1 Running the support DVD ............................................. 1-29

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2-1

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1

2.1.1 ASUS Update .................................................................. 2-1

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................ 2-2

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ....................................................... 2-4

2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-7

Entering BIOS Setup at startup ...................................................... 2-7

Entering BIOS Setup after POST ................................................... 2-7

2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-7

2.3.1 SATA 1-6 ......................................................................... 2-8

2.3.2 Storage Configuration ..................................................... 2-8

2.3.3 AHCI Configuration ......................................................... 2-9

2.3.4 System Information ......................................................... 2-9

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 2-10

2.4.1 CPU Level Up .............................................................. 2-10

2.4.2 Ai Overclock Tuner ........................................................2-11

2.4.3 CPU Ratio Setting ........................................................ 2-12

2.4.4 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech ...................................... 2-12

2.4.5 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech .............................................. 2-12

2.4.6 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode .................................. 2-12

2.4.7 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 2-12

2.4.8 QPI Frequency ............................................................. 2-12

2.4.9 DRAM Timing Control .................................................. 2-13

2.4.10 CPU Differential Amplitude ........................................... 2-14

2.4.11 CPU Clock Skew .......................................................... 2-14

2.4.12 CPU Voltage Mode ..................................................... 2-14

2.4.13 IMC Voltage ................................................................ 2-14

2.4.14 DRAM Voltage ............................................................ 2-14

2.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................... 2-14

2.4.16 PCH Voltage ................................................................ 2-15

2.4.17 Load-Line Calibration ................................................... 2-15

2.4.18 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-15

2.4.19 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 2-15

2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-16

2.5.1 CPU Configuration ........................................................ 2-16

2.5.2 Uncore Configuration .................................................... 2-18

2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration .................................... 2-18

2.5.4 USB Configuration ........................................................ 2-19

2.5.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-19

2.5.6 Intel VT-d Configuration ............................................... 2-19

2.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-20

2.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 2-20

2.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 2-20

2.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................... 2-20

2.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 2-20

2.6.5 EuP Ready ................................................................... 2-20

2.6.6 APM Configuration ........................................................ 2-21

2.6.7 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-22

2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-23

2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-23

2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 2-23

2.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-24

2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-25

2.8.1 ASUS O.C. Profile ......................................................... 2-25

2.8.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-26

2.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-26

2.8.4 Express Gate ............................................................... 2-26

2.8.5 IO Levelup .................................................................... 2-26

2.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-27

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

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

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

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.

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.

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

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

vii

About this guide

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

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

• 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.

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

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

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>

viii

P7P55D-E LX specications summary

CPU

Chipset

Memory

Expansion Slots

Storage Intel® P55 Express Chipset:

LAN

USB NEC USB 3.0 controller:

Audio

LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 processors Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Intel® P55 Express Chipset

4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.)* / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only support one DIMM per channel. Please refer to Memory QVL for details. ** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x 16 slot 4 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s) 2 x PCI slots

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supporting SATA RAID 0,1, 5, and 10

JMicron® JMB361 SATA & PATA controller

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

- 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go)

Marvell® PCIe SATA 6Gb/s controller:

- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (gray)

Realtek® 8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2

- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (blue; at back panel)

Intel® P55 Express Chipset:

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

VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking

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

(continued on the next page)

P7P55D-E LX specications summary

ASUS Q-Design

ASUS Unique Features ASUS IO Level UP for Ultra Performance

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

ASUS Q-LED (DRAM) ASUS Q-Slot ASUS Q-DIMM

- True USB 3.0 or True SATA 6Gb/s Support

ASUS Xtreme Design ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

- CPU Level UP, TurboV and Turbo Key

ASUS Exclusive Features

- MemOK!

- Express Gate

- ASUS EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heat-sink solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 3

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Crystal Sound:

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS O.C. Profile

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS My Logo 2

- Multi-language BIOS

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment

- vIMC: Adjustable IMC at 0.02V increment

- vDRAM Bus: 41-step DRAM voltage control

- vPCH: 23-step chipset voltage control

- vCPU PLL: 36-step reference voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 500MHz at 1MHz increment

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection:

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

(continued on the next page)

P7P55D-E LX specications summary

Back Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O Connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability

Support DVD Contents

Form Factor

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (Purple) 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (Green) 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go) 1 x RJ45 port 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (black) 8-channel Audio I/O

3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x IDE connector 2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray) 6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin) 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x COM port connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors 1 x System Panel 1 x MemOK! button 1 x IO Level UP button

16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

Drivers ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX Form Factor, 12”x 8.6” (30.5cm x 21.8cm)

xii

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7P55D-E LX 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 P7P55D-E LX motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s signal cable

1 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s signal cable 1x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable

Accessories 1 x Q-Shield Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentations 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® Lynnfield / 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, enabling higher graphics performance. Intel® Lynnfield / Clarkdale processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world.

Intel® P55

The Intel® P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156 socket Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 processors. Intel P55 provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

IO Level UP

Turn on IO Level UP to boost the USB 3.0 or SATA 6Gb/s data transfer rate to up to 500MB/s! Users can flexibly switch between full-speed PCIe x16 mode for their graphics cards and IO Level UP for rapid data throughput.

ASUS P7P55D-E LX

1-1

True USB 3.0 Support

Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0—the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily with next generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.

True SATA 6Gb/s Support

Supporting next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

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.

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Placement direction

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

1.5.2 Screw holes

Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

Ensure that you install the motherboard into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. LGA1156 CPU Socket 1-4

ATX power connectors

2. (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

DDR3 DIMM slots

CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors

(4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

MemOK! switch

JMicron® JMB361 IDE Connector

6. (40-1 pin PRI_IDE [Blue])

Intel® P55 Serial ATA connectors

7. (7-pin SATA 1-6)

Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

8. (7-pin SATA_6G_1/2 [gray])

ASUS P7P55D-E LX

9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

1-22

1-9

1-22

1-19

1-27

1-23

1-26 16. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-25

USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910,

10. USB1112, USB1314)

IO_LEVELUP switch 1-20

11.

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-18

12.

Front panel audio connector

13. (10-1 pin AAFP)

Digital audio connector

14. (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

Standby power LED 1-28

15.

1-24

1-25

1-23

1-26

1-3

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 Processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged 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.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), and then move it to the right (B) until it is

Load lever

released from the retention tab.

To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU.

Retention tab

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted.

4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket by lifting the tab only.

Load plate

PnP cap

Cap tab

5. Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket, and then fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU notches.

The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

ASUS P7P55D-E LX

Gold

triangle

mark

Alignment keys

CPU notches

1-5

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 pre-applied 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.

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).

8. Insert the load lever under the retention tab.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA1156 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, ensure that you use only Intel®-certified multi-directional heatsink and fan.

• Your Intel® LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires no tool to install.

• Use an LGA1156-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The LGA1156 socket is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in size and dimension.

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.

Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the four fasteners match the holes on the motherboard.

2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in place.

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

ASUS P7P55D-E LX

1-7

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

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

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

Install only one memory module in slot A1 or B1 as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

ASUS P7P55D-E LX

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

1-9

+ 49 hidden pages

Asus P7P55D-E LX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.4 Before you proceed

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Placement direction

1.5.2 Screw holes

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

1.5.4 Layout contents

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview