Asus P8H61 User Manual
P8H61
P8H61 PLUS
P8H61/USB3
Motherboard
E6495
Second Edition (V2)
March 2011
Copyright © 2011 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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”)
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etc to this email address).
ii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
P8H61 Series specications summary ..................................................... ix
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 Innovative ASUS features ...............................................
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 .......................................................................
1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1.10 Connectors .................................................................................
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-1
1-1
1-1
1-3
1-5
1-6
1-6
1-6
1-7
1-8
1-9
1-9
1-12
1-13
1-14
1-14
1-15
1-19
1-19
1-20
1-20
1-20
1-20
1-20
1-20
1-21
1-22
1-22
1-23
iii
Contents
1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-28
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................
1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................
2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................
2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................
2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........................................
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ........................................
2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ..................................................
2.3.4 Security ..........................................................................
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................
2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................
2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................
2.4.3 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................
2.4.4 OC Tuner [Disabled] .....................................................
2.4.5 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................
2.4.6 CPU Power Management .............................................
2.4.7 Offset Mode Sign [+] .....................................................
2.4.8 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ....................................................
2.4.9 VCCIO Voltage [Auto] ...................................................
2.4.10 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................
2.4.11 PCH Voltage [Auto] .......................................................
2.4.12 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] .........................................
2.4.13 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] .......................................
2.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2.5.2 System Agent Conguration .........................................
2.5.3 PCH Conguration ........................................................
2.5.4 SATA Conguration .......................................................
2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................
1-28
1-28
2-1
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-7
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-13
2-13
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-14
2-15
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-17
2-17
2-19
2-19
2-19
2-20
iv
Contents
2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-20
2.5.7 APM ..............................................................................
2.6 Monitor menu .............................................................................
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature
2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed ............................................
2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................
2.6.4 Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] .................................
2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................
2.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] .........................................
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................
2.7.3 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................
2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ...........................
2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................
2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................
2.7.7 Boot Override ................................................................
2.8 Tools menu .................................................................................
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................
2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information .................................................
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................
2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................
[xxxºC/xxxºF] ...... 2-23
2-21
2-23
2-23
2-24
2-24
2-25
2-25
2-26
2-26
2-26
2-26
2-27
2-27
2-27
2-27
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-28
2-29
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 modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling
information in different regions.
vi
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.
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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, 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 qualied service
technician or your retailer.
vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
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.
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>
viii
P8H61 Series specications summary
CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™
Chipset Intel® H61 Express Chipset
Memory 2 x DIMMs, max. 16GB*, DDR3 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC,
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot
Storage
LAN
Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel* High Denition Audio CODEC
USB P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS:
i5 / Core™ i3 processors
Supports 32nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0
* The Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0 support depends on the
CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* The maximum 16GB memory capacity can be supported with
8GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL once
the DIMMs are available in the market.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity 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.
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
Intel® H61 Express Chipset:
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller
* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to
support an 8-channel audio output.
- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 4 ports at
the back panel)
P8H61/USB3:
Intel® H61 Express Chipset:
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at the mid-board, 2 ports
at the back panel)
Asmedia USB3.0 controller:
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue, at the back panel)
(continued on the next page)
ix
P8H61 Series specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
Other features 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Rear panel ports 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (green)
Internal connectors/
switches/ buttons
BIOS features 32 Mb Flash ROM, EFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0,
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
ASUS EPU
ASUS TurboV
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EFI BIOS
ASUS AI Suite II
ASUS AI Charger
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2™
(P8H61 PLUS and P8H61/USB3 only)
Precision Tweaker:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.01V increment
- vCCIO: Adjustable I/O voltage at 0.005V increment
- vDRAM Bus: 190-step Memory voltage control
- vPCH: 190-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- BCLK/PEG frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x COM port
1 x LPT port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS only)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports; 2 x USB 3.0 ports (P8H61/USB3 only)
3 x Audio jacks
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1
ports
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x Internal speaker connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.6, Multi-language BIOS
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
(continued on the next page)
x
P8H61 Series specications summary
Support DVD Drivers
Form factor
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8 in (30.5 cm x 20.3 cm)
xi
xii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61 Series 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 P8H61 Series motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User Manual
• P8H61 Series motherboards include P8H61, P8H61 PLUS, and P8H61/USB3 three
models. The package contents vary from models.
• If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® LGA1155 Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™
i5 / Core™ i3 processors
This motherboard supports the Intel® second generation Core™ i7 /
Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 processors in LGA1155 package with memory and
PCI Express controllers integrated to support 2-channel (2 DIMMs) DDR3
memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics
performance. Intel® second generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3
processors are among the most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in
the world.
1-1Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel® H61 Express Chipset
The Intel® H61 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design to
support the new 1155 socket Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3
second generation processors. It provides improved performance by
utilizing serial point-to-point links, which allows increased bandwidth and
stability.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1333 / 1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 1333 / 1066 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.
USB 3.0 support (P8H61/USB3 only)
Experience ultra-fast data transfer 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.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed
and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
8-channel high denition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously
codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio
output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identies
what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties
users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more
confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
(P8H61 PLUS and P8H61/USB3 only)
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
ASUS P8H61 Series1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS EFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
ASUS brand new EFI BIOS offers a user-friendly interface that goes
beyond traditional keyboard BIOS input to enable more exible and
convenient mouse controls. You can easily navigate the new EFI BIOS
with the same smoothness as their operating system. The exclusive
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed setup info, while the Advanced
Mode is for experienced performance enthusiasts that demand far more
intricate system settings.
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 proles in TurboV provides
the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard
from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply
(PSU).
AI Suite II
With its fast user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the
exclusive ASUS features into one simple to use software package. It
allows you to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed
control, and voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth
between different utilities.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU and chassis
fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by
different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s
loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan
speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
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.
1-3Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
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.
ErP ready
The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP)
ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efciency
requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with
ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient
products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon
footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
ASUS P8H61 Series1-4
1.4 Before you proceed
P8H61 Series
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
P8H61 Series Onboard LED
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.
Standby Power LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
1-5Chapter 1: Product introduction
P8H61 Series
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration 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
ASUS P8H61 Series1-6
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
P8H61 Series
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCI1
ASM 1083
PCI2
PCI3
USB56 USB78 USB910 F_PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
ALC
887
RTL
8111E
EPU
KBMS
32Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
20.3cm(8.0in)
30.5cm(12.0in)
Intel
®
H61
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
LAN_USB12
USB3_12
SATA3G_4 SATA3G_3
SATA3G_2 SATA3G_1
LGA1155
LPT
COM1
SPEAKER
21 43 2
1
6
5
8101112 9 7
asmedia
ASM1042
P8H61/USB3 only
Here labeled USB34 on P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS.
1-7Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR,
4-pin ATX12V)
2. CPU and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)
3. Intel® LGA1155 CPU socket 1-9 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78,
4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-14 10. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-5
5. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-21 11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-25
6. Intel® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4)
1-24 7. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-24
1-25 8. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) 1-27
USB910)
1-26 12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23
1-26
ASUS P8H61 Series1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A
B
P8H61 Series
P8H61 Series CPU socket LGA1155
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®
Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 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
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.
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
released from the retention tab.
To prevent damage to the socket pins,
do not remove the PnP cap unless
you are installing a CPU.
Load lever
Retention tab
1-9Chapter 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
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.
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!
CPU notches
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment keys
ASUS P8H61 Series1-10
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