Asus P8H61-M LX User Manual
P8H61-M LX R2.0 Series
• P8H61-M LX R2.0
• P8H61-M PLUS R2.0
Motherboard
E7999
Second Edition
December 2012
Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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ii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
P8H61-M LX R2.0 Series specications 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 ASUS DIGI+VRM ............................................................ 1-3
1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-7
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-7
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-8
1.5.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ......................................................... 1-10
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan .............................. 1-13
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-14
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-15
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-15
1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-16
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-23
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-23
1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-24
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-24
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-24
1.8.3 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots ............................................... 1-24
1.8.4 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot ......................................... 1-24
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-25
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-26
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-26
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-27
1.11 Software support ........................................................................ 1-32
iii
Contents
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-32
1.11.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-32
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................ 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater ....................................................... 2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-6
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-10
2.3.1 System Language [English] .......................................... 2-10
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ....................................... 2-10
2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 2-10
2.3.4 Security ......................................................................... 2-10
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 2-13
2.4.1 Memory Frequency [Auto] ............................................. 2-14
2.4.2 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................ 2-14
2.4.3 OC Tuner ...................................................................... 2-14
2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 2-14
2.4.5 CPU Power Management ............................................. 2-14
2.4.6 DIGI+ VRM .................................................................... 2-15
2.4.7 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode] ........................................... 2-17
2.4.8 Offset Mode Sign [+] ..................................................... 2-17
2.4.9 iGPU Voltage [Offset Mode] .......................................... 2-17
2.4.10 iGPU Offset Mode Sign [+] ............................................ 2-17
2.4.11 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 2-17
2.4.12 VCCSA Voltage [Auto] .................................................. 2-17
2.4.13 PCH Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 2-17
2.4.14 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................ 2-18
2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-18
2.5.2 PCH Conguration ........................................................ 2-20
2.5.3 SATA Conguration ....................................................... 2-21
2.5.4 System Agent Conguration ......................................... 2-22
2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-23
iv
Contents
2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-23
2.5.7 APM .............................................................................. 2-24
2.5.8 Network Stack ............................................................... 2-25
2.6 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 2-26
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] ...... 2-26
2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed ............................................ 2-26
2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ...................................... 2-26
2.6.4 CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] .......................... 2-27
2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage .. 2-27
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-27
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-28
2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] ......................................... 2-28
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ........................................... 2-28
2.7.3 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] ....................................... 2-28
2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ........................... 2-29
2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ................................................. 2-29
2.7.6 UEFI/Legacy Boot [Enable both UEFI and Legacy] ...... 2-29
2.7.7 Boot Option Priorities .................................................... 2-29
2.7.8 Boot Override ................................................................ 2-29
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-30
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility ................................................... 2-30
2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ................................................. 2-30
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-30
2.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-31
Appendices
Notices .......................................................................................................A-1
ASUS contact information .......................................................................A-3
v
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 components, 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 staple wires away from connectors,
slots, sockets, and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and extreme temperature. Do not place the product in any area
where it may be exposed to moisture.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
vi
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 supported features of the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter provides a detailed guide to navigating and setting up the BIOS.
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 completing a
task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when completing a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
vii
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.
Italic
s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter
or Return key.
key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example:
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>
viii
P8H61-M LX R2.0 Series specications summary
CPU
Chipset Intel® H61 Express Chipset
Memory 2 x DIMMs, max. 16GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 2133(O.C.) / 2000(O.
Graphics Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x1536@75GHz
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slot [blue] (at x16 mode)
Storage
LAN
Audio ALC887 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
USB Intel® H61 Express Chipset:
Rear panel ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard (purple)
LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second/Third Generation Core™ i7 /
Core™ i5 / Core™ i3/ Pentium® processors
Supports 32/22nm CPU
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
*The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 suppport depends on the
CPU types.
**Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
C.) / 1866(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered
memory *
Dual-channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
*DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory frequency is supported by
Intel® 3rd generation processors.
**Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866 MHz memory
module will run at DDR3 2000/1800 MHz frequency.
***Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendor List).
****When you install 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.
Intel® Quick Sync Video Technology Support
3 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots
*Intel® Third Generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0
speed.
Intel® H61 Express Chipset:
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
Realtek® 8111E/8111F PCIe Gigabit LAN controller
*Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support
an 8-channel audio output.
- 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports onboard, 4 ports at the back panel)
1 x PS/2 mouse (green)
1 x D-Sub port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x COM port
1 x LPT port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (black)
3-Jack 8-channel audio I/O ports
(continued on the next page)
ix
P8H61-M LX R2.0 specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS DIGI+VRM
- Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for the CPU and
iGPU
- ASUS 3+1+1 Phase Power Design
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth
domination for the top network program in use
- AI Suite II
- Anti Surge
- Low EMI Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring user-friendly graphics
interface
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking
Internal connectors/
switches/ buttons
BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, SM
Manageability
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
Support DVD Drivers
Form factor
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 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 speaker connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
BIOS v2.7, ACPI v2.0a, Multi-language BIOS
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 7.2 in (24.4 cm x 18.3 cm)
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
x
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61-M LX R2.0 Series motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and the latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard and adding components, 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-M LX 2.0 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
If any of the above 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 2200(O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) /
1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 /
1333 / 1066MHz 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.
• DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory frequency is supported by Intel® 3rd generation
processors.
• Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866 memory modules will run at DDR3
2000/1800 MHz frequency.
PCI Express® 3.0
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with
improved encoding schemes that provide twice the performance of the
current PCIe 2.0. The total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum
of 32Gb/s, double the 16 Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such, PCIe
3.0 provides users unprecendented data speeds, combined with the
convenience and seamless transition offerred by complete backward
compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become
a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and optimize graphic
performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.
* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors.
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.
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-2
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
(P8H61-M LX R2.0 PLUS R2.0 only)
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
1.3.2 ASUS DIGI+VRM
Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for the CPU and iGPU
All-new digital CPU power controls work perfectly together to match
digital power signal (SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing
and response efciently delivering precision power. Accurate delivery
reduces waste, and provides more stable CPU Vcore voltages. Users
can adjust the CPU and its prcoessor graphics (iGPU) voltages for
various overclocking scenarios, with accurate input through UEFI BIOS
tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface. This proprietary design increases
overclocking headroom to push performance to its full potential.
ASUS EPU
Tap into the world’s rst real-time PC power saving chip through a
simple oboard switch or AI Suite II utility. Get total system-wide energy
optimization by automatically detecting current PC loadings and
intelligently moderating power consumption. This also reduces fan noise
and extends component longevity.
1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unied Extensible Firmware Interface
that offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-
only BIOS control to enable more exible and convenient mouse input.
Users can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness
as their operating system. It natively supports hard drives larger than
2.2TB in 64-bit, with full storage space utilization, helping deliver far more
exciting computing than traditional BIOS version. 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.
1-3Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The stylish heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a
noiseless PC environment. The beautiful shape of the heatsink design not
only provides visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also lowers the
temperature of the chipset and power phase area through high efcient
heat-exchange. Combining usability and aesthetics, the ASUS stylish
heatpipe will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience with
an elegant appearance!
ESD
Protect Your Computer with ESD Guards. Electrostatic discharge
(ESD) conditions can happen while plugging or unplugging any USB
peripherals-causing damage to the computer. ASUS ESD Guards clamp
the ESD voltage and shunt the majority of the ESD current away for a
more reliable computing environment.
Low EMI
A special low-radiation design shields you from harmful electromagnetic
exposure by eliminating 50% of radiation.
1. Radiation Deduction Design minimizes harmful electromagnetic
radiation output with exclusive circuit design to cancel electrical charge.
2. The Radiation Moat Design effectively blocks radiation to prevent
discharge spread.
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan speed
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.
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-4
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.
1-5Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Before you proceed
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
P8H61-M LX R2.0
P8H61-M LX R2.0 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 disconnected 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.
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-6
1.5 Motherboard overview
P8H61-M LX R2.0
Study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts before installing
the motherboard.
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
Secure the motherboard to the chassis using six screws as indicated by the circles in the
illustration below.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
1-7Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
P8H61-M LX R2.0
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_3
F_PANEL
SPEAKER
SPEAKER
CLRTC
USB78USB56
AAFP
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
ALC
887
RTL
8111E/
8111F
DIGI
+VRM
8Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
SPDIF_OUT
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA1155
Intel
®
H61
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA3G_1
SATA3G_3
SATA3G_2
SATA3G_4
AUDIO
KBMS
LAN1_USB12
USB34
18.3cm(7.2in)
VGA
LPT
COM
321 41
6
2
789101112
5
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. CPU and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR,
3. Intel® LGA1155 CPU socket 1-8 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-19
4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-13 10. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 1-23
5. Intel® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors
6. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-1 12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-21
4-pin ATX12V)
(7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4)
1-23 7. System panel connector (10-1 pin F-PANEL) 1-25
1-22 8. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-22
1-24 11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-24
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
P8H61-M LX R2.0
P8H61-M LX R2.0 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.
1-9Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
A
B
P8H61-M LX R2.0
P8H61-M LX R2.0 CPU socket LGA1155
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.
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow until the load plate is completely
lifted.
Load plate
Load lever
Retention tab
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-10
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 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!
PnP cap
CPU notches
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment keys
6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that
the heatsink will be in contact with,
ensuring that it is spread in an even
thin layer.
Some heatsinks come with preapplied thermal paste. If so, skip
this step.
The Thermal Interface Material is
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If
it gets into your eyes or touches your
skin, wash it off immediately, and
seek professional medical help.
1-11Chapter 1: Product introduction
7. Close the load plate (A), and then push
B
A
C
down the load lever (B), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention knob (C).
8. Insert the load lever under the retention
tab.
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-12
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel® LGA1155 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to
ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
•
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®-certied
multi-directional heatsink and fan.
• Your Intel® LGA1155 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and
requires no tool to install.
• Use a LGA1155-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The LGA1155 socket
is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in size and dimension.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you have
properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan assembly.
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners
match the holes on the motherboard.
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly
such that the CPU fan cable is closest
to the CPU fan connector.
2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink
and fan assembly in place.
A
B
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and
functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only.
B
A
A
B
B
A
1
1
1-13Chapter 1: Product introduction
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
CPU_FAN
CPU FAN PWM
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWR
GND
P8H61-M LX R2.0
P8H61-M LX R2.0 CPU fan connector
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard.
2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.
3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and
fan assembly from the motherboard.
A
A
B
B
B
B
A
A
ASUS P8H61-M LX R2.01-14
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