Asus P8C WS User Manual

P8C WS

Motherboard

E7435

Revised Edition V2
May 2012

Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

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

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

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

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product contains copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”),
under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”) and/or other Free Open Source Software
Licenses. Such software in this product is distributed without any warranty to the extent permitted by the
applicable law. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

Where the applicable license entitles you to the source code of such software and/or other additional data,
you may obtain it for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product, 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 [e-mail], stating
the product and describing the problem (please DO NOT send large attachments such as source code
archives, etc. to this email address).

ii

Contents

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

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

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

P8C WS specications summary .............................................................................. x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features .......................................

1.3.3 ASUS features ............................................................................

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.2.3 System memory ..........................................................................

2.2.4 Expansion slots ...........................................................................

2.2.5 Onboard buttons and switches

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................

2.2.7 Jumper ......................................................................................

2.2.8 Internal connectors

2.3 Building your computer system .............................................................

2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............

2.3.2 CPU installation

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation .............................

2.3.4 DIMM installation

2.3.5

2.3.6

2.3.7

2.3.8 Front I/O Connector ..................................................................

2.3.9 Expansion Card installation

2.3.10 Rear panel connection ..............................................................

2.3.11 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................

2.4 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.5 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

.................................................... 2-9

.................................................................... 2-17

......................................................................... 2-29

....................................................................... 2-33

Motherboard installation ............................................................ 2-34

ATX Power connection ..............................................................2-36

SATA device connection ............................................................2-37

....................................................... 2-39

1-3

1-4

2-2

2-2

2-4

2-5

2-7

2-12

2-15

2-28

2-28

2-31

2-38

2-40

2-41

2-44

2-44

iii

Contents

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.2.1 EZ Mode

3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................

3.3 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.3.1 System Language ......................................................................

3.3.2 System Date

3.3.3 System Time ..............................................................................

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................................

3.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.5.1 Trusted Computing ....................................................................

3.5.2 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.3 PCH Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.4 SATA Conguration ...................................................................

3.5.5 System Agent Conguration

3.5.6 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.5.7 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.5.8 APM ..........................................................................................

3.5.9 Network Stack ...........................................................................

3.6 Monitor menu ...........................................................................................

3.7 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................

3.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.8.3 ASUS SPD Information .............................................................

3.9 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

3.10 Updating BIOS ..........................................................................................

3.10.1 ASUS Update utility

3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility .............................................................

3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................

...................................................................................... 3-2

............................................................................... 3-5

...................................................... 3-20

................................................................... 3-34

................................................. 3-38

3-1

3-3

3-5

3-5

3-5

3-8

3-14

3-14

3-15

3-17

3-18

3-21

3-22

3-24

3-25

3-26

3-29

3-31

3-31

3-31

3-32

3-33

3-34

3-37

3-39

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Installing AI Suite II ....................................................................................

iv

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-1

4-3

Contents

4.3.1 EPU ............................................................................................. 4-4

4.3.2 FAN Xpert

4.3.3 Probe II

4.3.4 Sensor Recorder .........................................................................

4.3.5 ASUS Update .............................................................................. 4-8

4.3.6 MyLogo .......................................................................................4-9

4.4 Audio congurations ...............................................................................

4.5 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4.5.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................

4.5.4 Intel

4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

4.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technology ..............................................................5-1

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................

5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ...............................

5.1.4 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5.1.5 Enabling the AMD

.................................................................................... 4-5

........................................................................................ 4-6

®

Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................4-13

..................................................................... 4-27

®

.................................. 4-27

®

OS installation ...... 4-28

®

CrossFireX™ technology ............................ 5-3

4-7

4-11

4-12

4-12

4-13

4-13

4-27

4-29

5-1

5-1

5-2

5-3

v

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.

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://csr.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.

vi

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 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 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.

vii

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: 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.

• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and

NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

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.

viii

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.

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.

Italic

s 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> + <Del>

ix

P8C WS specications summary

CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd / 3

LGA1155 socket for Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/ 12x5 v2 series processor
Supports 32nm / 22nm CPU
* Supports Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

Chipset Intel® C216 Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMMs, max. 32GB, DDR3 1600 / 1333 MHz, ECC non-ECC, un-buffered

memory
Dual-channel architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

**Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors Lidts)

Expansion
slots

1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (at x16 or x8) (blue)
1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (at x8) (black)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 (at x4) (white)
1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 (at x1)
1 x PCI

VGA
Output

DVI-I port

Supports DVI with max. resolution 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz

Maximum shared memory of 1GB

Multi-GPU
support

Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Storage Intel® C216 Chipset:

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

- 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports(blue)

®

Rapid Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10

- Intel

* Supports on Intel

Technology, Intel® Smart ConnectTechnology

** Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family with Windows 7 operating

systems.

®

Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid Start

LAN 2*Intel® 82574L GbE LAN

- Support teaming function

USB Intel® C216 Chipset:

- 4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at back panel)

- 10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

1394 VIA VT6308S controller supports 2 x 1394a port

Audio Realtek® ALC892 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- BD audio layer content protection

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

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

Workstation
Unique
Features

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI

4 PCIe x 16 slots
G.P. Diagnosis Card bundled
Quick Gate: 1 vertical USB 2.0 on board

2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash Utility, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

(continued on the next page)

rd

Generation Core™ i3 desktop processor

*

x

P8C WS specications summary

ASUS
Unique
Features

Back Panel I/O
Ports

Internal I/O
connectors

OS Win7 32/ 64 bit, WinXP 32/ 64 bit, Server 2003, Server 2008 and Server 2008

Form factor ATX Form Factor, 12in x 9.6in (30.5cm x 24.5cm)

GPU Boost with switch
ASUS Power Design

- 8+2 Phase Power Design

ASUS EPU

- EPU, EPU Switch

ASUS Exclusive Features

- MemOK!

- AI Suite II

- Anti Surge

- ASUS EFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash Utility

1 x PS/2 KB/MS port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Optical and Coxial)
6 x USB 2.0/ 1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0/ 2.0 ports
1 x IEEE 1394a
2 x Lan Connector
1 x DVI-I port
6 x Audio jacks

1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 vertical ports
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX +12V Power connector
CPU Fan with PWM control
Chassis fan1 with Q-fan control
Chassis fan2 with Q-fan control
Chassis fan3 with Q-fan control
Power fan
AAFP connector
1 x COM port connector
1 x TPM header
1 x 1394a connector
1 x LTP1 header
S/PDIF Out header
1 x MemOK! Button
20-pin front panel connector

R2

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xi

xii

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8C 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.

ASUS P8C WS motherboard User manual Support DVD

2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit

ASUS P8C WS

1 x ASUS Q-Shield

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

2 USB ports + 1394a cable

with bracket

1 x COM port cable with

bracket

1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

Green ASUS

This motherboard complies with the European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP)

requirements, which requires products to meet certain energy efciency criteria for energy

consumption. This in in keeping with ASUS’ vision of creating environment-friendly and

energy-efcient products to reduce a product’s carbon footprint and reduce its environmental

impact.

LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second/Third Generation Core™ i3 and
Xeon® E3-1200/ 12x5 v2 processors

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i3 and Xeon®
E3-1200/ 12x5 v2 processors in the LGA1155 package, with memory and PCI Express
controllers to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0 lanes for
great graphics performance.

C216

Intel® C216 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1155 socket Intel® 2nd / 3rd
generation Core™ i3 and Intel® Xeon E3-1200 v2 server processors. It utilizes the serial
point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth and enhances the system’s performance. It
comes with two SATA 6Gb/s and four SATA 3Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval, doubling the
bandwidth of the current bus systems. It also enables the iGPU function for the latest Intel®
integrated graphics performance.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard that provides twice
the performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance,
unprecedented data speed, and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility
to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

Dual-Channel DDR3 1600/ 1333 support

This motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 architecture that features the data

transfer rates of DDR3 1600/1333 MHz to boost the system’s performance, and to meet

the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications.

Native SATA 6Gb/s Support

With its Intel® C216 Chipset, this motherboard natively supports the next generation Seria
ATA (SATA) storage interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It provides
enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and twice the bandwidth of current bus systems.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear
panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug & play connectivity
solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

GPU Boost

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates

exible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every

use.

EPU

EPU (Energy Processing Unit), the world’s rst real-time system power-saving chip,

automatically detects the current system load and intelligently moderates power usage.

It offers a total system-wide energy optimization, reduces fan noise, and extends the

components’ lifespan.

1.3.2 ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features

Dual Intel® LAN

This motherboard features the built-in dual server class Intel® Gigabit LAN ports, which
help reduce CPU usage, thus increasing throughput to achieve highly-reliable network
connections, outstanding performance, and better support for diverse operating systems.

Multi CPU and Memory support

This motherboard offers you with exible options on CPU and memory support to meet

diverse computing needs.

For instance, you can choose to use the widely-available DDR3 un-buffered non-ECC
memory modules or the more stable and reliable DDR3-unbuffered ECC memory modules.

Chapter 1

CUDA parallel computing power support

This motherboard works with the discrete CUDA technology to attain the outstanding and
dependable performance of a Personal Supercomputer on your desk instead of a computer
cluster in a room, providing you with an unprecedented return on your investment. Its Tesla
GPUs offers an intensive parallel computing on tons of data, which delivers up to four

teraops of performance.

ASUS P8C WS

1-3

Quick Gate

Quick Gate is a vertical USB connector on the motherboard that allows you to install USB

Chapter 1

devices directly without any messy cables and stops important data storage devices from
breaking off unexpectedly. This revolutionary and unique design offers a convenient and safe
way to install data and applications on your system.

Diagnosis LED

Diag. LED offers an intuitive way to locate the root problems in seconds. It checks these key
components in sequence during bootup --- CPU, memory, graphics card, and hard drive. If an
error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.

G.P. Diagnosis Card (Bundled)

The bundled G.P. Diagnosis card double-checks the system quickly provides precise
information everytime you turn on your computer.

1.3.3 ASUS features

8+2 Phase Power Design

This motherboard’s 8-phase VRM power design unleashes the Intel

potential, delivering high-power efciency, supreme overclocking ability, and effectively lowers

the system’s temperature to extend the components’ lifespan. This motherboard also features
an extra 2-phase power area for the integrated memory controller.

®

Ivy Bridge processor’s

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to
patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and
dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

AI Suite II

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and

allows you to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to congure

the overclocking settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the
system via a mobile device, and other easy-to-use and helpful utilities.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution provides a more stable system and enhances the overclocking
capability.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution

The aesthetically-designed crystal-shaped heatsink features the 0-dB thermal solution
for a noiseless and stable computing environment.

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 you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan
speeds based on different ambient temperatures and attain a quiet and cool computing
environment.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS(EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled

intuitive graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS

controls, providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI

BIOS than the traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and
native support for hard drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

* F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

* F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

* ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations

ASUS Q-Design

ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-DIMM, and Q-Slot
design speed up and simplify the DIY process!

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector is a unique adapter that allows you to easily connect or disconnect
the chassis front panel cables to one module, eliminating the hassle of plugging one
cable at a time and making the connection quick and accurate.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without

using a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Chapter 1

ASUS P8C WS

1-5

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS le from a USB

Chapter 1

storage device containing the BIOS le.

Precision Tweaker 2

Precision Tweaker 2 allows you to adjust the CPU voltager in 0.01V steps and the DRAM
voltage in 0.001V steps to achieve the most precise and ultimate overclocking settings.

IEEE 1394a interface

IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video devices such as
digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals and other portable devices.

S/PDIF-out on Back I/O Port

This motherboard provides the coaxial and optical S/PDIF out ports for convenient
connectivity to external home theater audio systems and for high-quality digital audio
experience.

ASUS Crystal Sound

8 Channel Audio Codec

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed
Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality Absolute Pitch 192khz/24bit audio output, true

BD lossless sound, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions, and multi-streaming
technology.

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Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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.

• 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.

ASUS P8C WS

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2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

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Refer to

2.2.8 Internal connectors

information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.

and

2.3.10 Rear panel connection

Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more

Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots Page

1. LGA1155 CPU Socket 2-4

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

3. DDR3 DIMM slots

4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_FAN1-3, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

5. MemOK! switch

6. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)

®

7. Intel

C216 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors

(7-pin SATA6G_1-2 [gray])

®

8. Intel

C216 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors

(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])

9. Standby Power LED

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

11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

12. USB 2.0 connectors

(Type A: 10-1 pin USB1314; Type B: USB11/ USB12)

13. Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT1)

14. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

15. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

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

17. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

18. GPU Boost Switch

19. EPU Switch

20. Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)

21. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

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Chapter 2

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ASUS P8C WS

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2.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® 2nd/
3rd Generation Core™ i3 desktop Processors and Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/ 12x5 v2 series
Server/Workstation Processors.

Chapter 2

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

LGA1155 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.

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 System memory

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

A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR
or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.

Recommended memory congurations

Chapter 2

ASUS P8C WS

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Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets depending on the installed CPU.

Chapter 2

P8C WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps

the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect

the CPU.

•

The max. 32GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB (or above).

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we

recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB

or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full memory

load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

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• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Load

the X.M.P. or D.O.C.P. settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support.

• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.4 Expansion slots

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

Chapter 2

Slot No. Slot Description

1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)

2 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot (x8 mode)

3 PCIe 2.0 x1_1 slot

4 PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot (x4 mode)

5 PCI1 slot

6 PCIe 2.0 x16_4 slot (x4 mode)

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Standard Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 - Programmable Interrupt

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

6 14 Reserved

7 15 Reserved

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

Chapter 2

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering

12 7 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIEx16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEx16_2 shared – – – – – –
PCIEx16_3 – – – shared – – – –
PCIEx16_4 shared – – – – – – –
PCIEx1_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCI1 shared – – – – – – –
VIA1394 – – – shared – – – –
USB3.0 shared – – – – – – –
LAN1 (82574) – shared –
LAN2 (82574)

SATA Controller 1 – – – shared – – – –
SATA Controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB 2.0 Controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 Controller 2 shared – – – – – – –
HD Audio – – – – – – shared –

A B C D E F G H

–

– – – –

– shared – – – – –

–

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.5 Onboard buttons and switches

Onboard buttons and switches enhance overclocking and gaming performance when working
on a bare or open-case system.

1. EPU switch

Turning this switch to
intelligently moderate the power consumption.

will automatically detect the current PC loadings and

Enable

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to
powered off.

when the system is

Enable

Chapter 2

ASUS P8C WS

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2. GPU Boost switch

Turning this switch to
GPU speed.

will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable

Enable

Chapter 2

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to
powered off.

The GPU Boost Switch functions only when you install the DESKTOP CPU that supports
onboard graphics.

when the system is

Enable

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. MemOK! button

When you install DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard, this may
cause the system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK switch lights
continuously. Simply press the MemOK button until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to
patch memory compatibility issues and ensure the system’s successful bootup.

• Refer to section

• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The MemOK! button does not function under Windows™ OS environment.

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fails to boot up due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! button
to boot and load the BIOS default settings. A message will appear during POST
reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

Chapter 2

ASUS P8C WS

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2.2.6 Onboard LEDs

1. POST State LEDs

The POST State LEDs indicate the status of these key components during POST
(Power-on-Self Test): CPU, memory modules, VGA card, and hard disk drive. If an
error is found, the critical component’s LED stays lit up until the problem is solved.

Chapter 2

2. GPU Boost LED

The GPU Boost LED lights up when the GPU Boost switch is turned to Enable.

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Chapter 2: Hardware information