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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; 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).
ii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... |
vi |
Safety information...................................................................................... |
vii |
About this guide........................................................................................ |
viii |
P8H61 Series specifications summary...................................................... |
ix |
Chapter 1: |
Product introduction |
|
|
1.1 |
Welcome!....................................................................................... |
1-1 |
|
1.2 |
Package contents......................................................................... |
1-1 |
|
1.3 |
Special features............................................................................ |
1-1 |
|
|
1.3.1 |
Product highlights ............................................................ |
1-1 |
|
1.3.2 |
Innovative ASUS features ................................................ |
1-3 |
1.4 |
Before you proceed...................................................................... |
1-5 |
|
1.5 |
Motherboard overview................................................................. |
1-6 |
|
|
1.5.1 |
Placement direction ......................................................... |
1-6 |
|
1.5.2 |
Screw holes ..................................................................... |
1-6 |
|
1.5.3 |
Motherboard layout .......................................................... |
1-7 |
|
1.5.4 |
Layout contents . .............................................................. |
1-8 |
1.6 |
Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... |
1-9 |
|
|
1.6.1 |
Installing the CPU ............................................................ |
1-9 |
|
1.6.2 |
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan .............................. |
1-12 |
|
1.6.3 |
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .......................... |
1-13 |
1.7 |
System memory.......................................................................... |
1-14 |
|
|
1.7.1 |
Overview ........................................................................ |
1-14 |
|
1.7.2 |
Memory configurations . ................................................. |
1-15 |
|
1.7.3 |
Installing a DIMM ........................................................... |
1-19 |
|
1.7.4 |
Removing a DIMM ......................................................... |
1-19 |
1.8 |
Expansion slots.......................................................................... |
1-20 |
|
|
1.8.1 |
Installing an expansion card .......................................... |
1-20 |
|
1.8.2 |
Configuring an expansion card ...................................... |
1-20 |
|
1.8.3 |
PCI slots . ....................................................................... |
1-20 |
|
1.8.4 |
PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... |
1-20 |
|
1.8.5 |
PCI Express x16 slot . .................................................... |
1-20 |
1.9 |
Jumpers |
....................................................................................... |
1-21 |
1.10 |
Connectors.................................................................................. |
1-22 |
|
|
1.10.1 .................................................. |
Rear panel connectors |
1-22 |
|
1.10.2 ........................................................ |
Internal connectors |
1-23 |
iii
Contents
1.11 Software support........................................................................ |
1-28 |
|
1.11.1 |
Installing an operating system....................................... |
1-28 |
1.11.2 |
Support DVD information............................................... |
1-28 |
Chapter 2: |
BIOS information |
|
|
2.1 |
Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. |
2-1 |
|
|
2.1.1 |
ASUS Update utility......................................................... |
2-1 |
|
2.1.2 |
ASUS EZ Flash 2............................................................ |
2-2 |
|
2.1.3 |
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... |
2-3 |
|
2.1.4 |
ASUS BIOS Updater....................................................... |
2-4 |
2.2 |
BIOS setup program..................................................................... |
2-7 |
|
2.3 |
Main menu................................................................................... |
2-11 |
|
|
2.3.1 |
System Language [English]............................................ |
2-11 |
|
2.3.2 |
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]........................................ |
2-11 |
|
2.3.3 |
System Time [xx:xx:xx]................................................... |
2-11 |
|
2.3.4 |
Security........................................................................... |
2-11 |
2.4 |
Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ |
2-13 |
|
|
2.4.1 |
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto].............................................. |
2-13 |
|
2.4.2 |
Memory Frequency [Auto]............................................. |
2-14 |
|
2.4.3 |
EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled]............................. |
2-14 |
|
2.4.4 |
OC Tuner [Disabled]...................................................... |
2-14 |
|
2.4.5 |
DRAM Timing Control.................................................... |
2-14 |
|
2.4.6 |
CPU Power Management.............................................. |
2-14 |
|
2.4.7 |
Offset Mode Sign [+]...................................................... |
2-15 |
|
2.4.8 |
DRAM Voltage [Auto]..................................................... |
2-16 |
|
2.4.9 |
VCCIO Voltage [Auto].................................................... |
2-16 |
|
2.4.10 |
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]................................................ |
2-16 |
|
2.4.11 |
PCH Voltage [Auto]........................................................ |
2-16 |
|
2.4.12 |
Load-Line Calibration [Auto].......................................... |
2-16 |
|
2.4.13 |
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]........................................ |
2-16 |
2.5 |
Advanced menu.......................................................................... |
2-17 |
|
|
2.5.1 |
CPU Configuration......................................................... |
2-17 |
|
2.5.2 |
SystemAgent Configuration.......................................... |
2-19 |
|
2.5.3 |
PCH Configuration......................................................... |
2-19 |
|
2.5.4 |
SATAConfiguration........................................................ |
2-19 |
|
2.5.5 |
USB Configuration......................................................... |
2-20 |
iv
Contents
|
2.5.6 |
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... |
2-20 |
|
2.5.7 |
APM............................................................................... |
2-21 |
2.6 |
Monitor menu.............................................................................. |
2-23 |
|
|
2.6.1 |
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]...... |
2-23 |
|
2.6.2 |
CPU / Chassis Fan Speed............................................. |
2-23 |
|
2.6.3 |
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]....................................... |
2-24 |
|
2.6.4 |
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled].................................. |
2-24 |
|
2.6.5 |
CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage... |
2-25 |
|
2.6.6 |
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]........................................ |
2-25 |
2.7 |
Boot menu................................................................................... |
2-26 |
|
|
2.7.1 |
Bootup NumLock State [On].......................................... |
2-26 |
|
2.7.2 |
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]........................................... |
2-26 |
|
2.7.3 |
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]....................................... |
2-26 |
|
2.7.4 |
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]........................... |
2-27 |
|
2.7.5 |
Setup Mode [EZ Mode].................................................. |
2-27 |
|
2.7.6 |
Boot Option Priorities..................................................... |
2-27 |
|
2.7.7 |
Boot Override................................................................ |
2-27 |
2.8 |
Tools menu.................................................................................. |
2-28 |
|
|
2.8.1 |
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility................................................. |
2-28 |
|
2.8.2 |
ASUS SPD Information................................................. |
2-28 |
|
2.8.3 |
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... |
2-28 |
2.9 |
Exit menu..................................................................................... |
2-29 |
|
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 find 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.
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 specifications summary
CPU |
LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ |
|
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. |
Chipset |
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list. |
Intel® H61 Express Chipset |
|
Memory |
2 x DIMMs, max. 16GB*, DDR3 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, |
|
un-buffered memory |
|
Dual-channel memory architecture |
|
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (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 (Qualified |
|
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 |
Expansion slots |
if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system. |
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot |
|
|
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots |
Storage |
3 x PCI slots |
Intel® H61 Express Chipset: |
|
LAN |
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors |
Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller |
|
Audio |
Realtek® ALC887 8-channel* High DefinitionAudio CODEC |
|
* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to |
USB |
support an 8-channel audio output. |
P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS: |
|
|
- 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 specifications summary
ASUS unique features
Other features
ASUS exclusive overclocking features
Rear panel ports
Internal connectors/ switches/ buttons
BIOS features
Accessories
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
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™
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors (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 Mouse port (green)
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
32 Mb Flash ROM, EFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.6, Multi-language BIOS
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
(continued on the next page)
P8H61 Series specifications summary
Support DVD
Form factor
Drivers
ASUS utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8 in (30.5 cm x 20.3 cm)
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xi
xii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1Welcome!
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.
1.2Package 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.
1.3Special features
1.3.1Product 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 efficient CPUs in the world.
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1-1 |
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 definition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High DefinitionAudio, previously codenamedAzalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies 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 anACPI management function to provide efficient 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.
1-2 |
ASUS P8H61 Series |
1.3.2Innovative 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 flexible 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, theASUS OC profiles 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 profiles offer flexible 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.
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1-3 |
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file.
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 efficiency requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with
ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
1-4 |
ASUS P8H61 Series |
1.4Before 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.
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.
P8H61 Series
SB_PWR
ON OFF
Standby Power Powered Off
P8H61 Series Onboard LED
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1-5 |
1.5Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits 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.
1.5.1Placement 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.
1.5.2Screw 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
P8H61 Series
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASUS P8H61 Series |
||||||||||||
1.5.3 |
Motherboard layout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
|
3 |
2 |
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20.3cm(8.0in) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KBMS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CPU_FAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATX12V |
EPU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
COM1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LPT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
module) |
module) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240-pin |
240-pin |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LGA1155 |
|
(64bit,A1 |
(64bit,B1 |
|
|
|
USB3_12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DIMM |
DIMM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
LAN_USB12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
DDR3 |
DDR3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EATXPWR |
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
Lithium Cell |
|
|
|
|
30.5cm(12.0in) |
|
|
AUDIO |
|
|
|
CMOS Power |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AAFP |
|
CHA_FAN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
asmedia |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASM1042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
P8H61 Series |
|
|
|
|
||
|
RTL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8111E |
|
|
|
PCIEX16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PCIEX1_1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Super |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I/O |
|
PCIEX1_2 |
ASM 1083 |
|
|
Intel® |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H61 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PCI1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
PCI2 |
|
|
|
|
32Mb |
|
|
ALC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BIOS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
887 |
|
|
|
|
|
CLRTC |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PCI3 |
|
|
|
SATA3G_4 SATA3G_3 |
6 |
|
|
SPDIF_OUT |
|
USB56 |
USB78 |
USB910 |
F_PANEL |
|
SATA3G_2 |
SATA3G_1 |
||
|
|
SB_PWR |
|
|
|
SPEAKER |
|
|
|
||
|
12 |
11 |
10 |
|
9 |
|
8 |
7 |
|
|
|
P8H61/USB3 only
Here labeled USB34 on P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS.
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1-7 |
1.5.4Layout contents
|
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED |
Page |
|
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED |
Page |
1. |
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, |
1-24 |
7. |
Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) |
1-24 |
|
4-pin ATX12V) |
|
|
|
|
2. |
CPU and chassis fan connectors |
1-25 |
8. |
System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) |
1-27 |
|
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) |
|
|
|
|
3. |
Intel® LGA1155 CPU socket |
1-9 |
9. |
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, |
1-26 |
|
|
|
|
USB910) |
|
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 |
1-26 |
12. |
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) |
1-23 |
|
(7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4) |
|
|
|
|
1-8 |
ASUS P8H61 Series |
1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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.
1.6.1Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1.Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
P8H61 Series
P8H61 Series CPU socket LGA1155
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
B
Retention tab
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1-9 |
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.
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.
PnP cap
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!
Gold |
triangle |
mark |
Alignment keys |
1-10 |
ASUS P8H61 Series |
Loading...