Asus P8H61-M PRO User Manual
P8H61-M PRO
Motherboard
E6328
First Edition (V1)
January 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,
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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
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Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software
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 ........................................................................................ vii
P8H61-M PRO 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 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 ............................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ...............................1-11
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-12
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-13
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-14
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-18
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-18
1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-19
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-19
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-19
1.8.3 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 1-19
1.8.4 PCI Express x16 slots ................................................... 1-19
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-20
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-21
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-21
iii
Contents
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-23
1.11 Onboard switches ...................................................................... 1-29
1.12 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................ 1-30
1.13 Software support ........................................................................ 1-32
1.13.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-32
1.13.2 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 .................................................................... 2-7
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-11
2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........................................2-11
2.3.2 System Date ..................................................................2-11
2.3.3 System Time ..................................................................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 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto] ........................................ 2-14
2.4.4 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................ 2-14
2.4.5 GPU Boost .................................................................... 2-14
2.4.6 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 2-14
2.4.7 CPU Power Management ............................................. 2-14
2.4.8 CPU Offset Mode Sign [+] ............................................. 2-15
2.4.9 iGPU Offset Mode Sign [+] ............................................ 2-16
2.4.10 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 2-16
2.4.11 VCCIO Voltage [Auto] ................................................... 2-16
2.4.12 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................ 2-16
2.4.13 PCH Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 2-16
2.4.14 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ......................................... 2-16
2.4.15 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ....................................... 2-16
2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-17
iv
Contents
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-18
2.5.2 System Agent Conguration ......................................... 2-19
2.5.3 PCH Conguration ........................................................ 2-19
2.5.4 SATA Conguration ....................................................... 2-19
2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-20
2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................... 2-21
2.5.7 APM .............................................................................. 2-23
2.6 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 2-24
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] ...... 2-25
2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] 2-25
2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ...................................... 2-25
2.6.4 Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ................................. 2-26
2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage .. 2-26
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-26
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-27
2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] ......................................... 2-27
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ........................................... 2-27
2.7.3 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ........................... 2-28
2.7.4 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ................................................. 2-28
2.7.5 Boot Option Priorities .................................................... 2-28
2.7.6 Boot Override ................................................................ 2-28
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-29
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility ................................................... 2-29
2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ................................................. 2-29
2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 2-29
2.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-30
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.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent 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.
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.
vii
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-M PRO specications summary
CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 /
Chipset Intel® H61 Express Chipset
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (x16/x1)
Graphics - Supports dual VGA output: HDMI/DVI/D-Sub
Storage Intel® H61 Express Chipset:
LAN
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.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
- 2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC
DDR3 1333/1066MHz memory modules
- Supports up to 16GB system memory
- Support Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* The Max. 16GB memory capacity can be supported with
DIMMs of 8GB (or above). ASUS will update QVL once the
DIMMs are available on market.
** Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical
characteristics of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only
support one DIMM per channel. Refer to Memory QVL for
details.
*** Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors Lists).
**** 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
- Supports HDMI 1.4 with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200
@60Hz
- Supports Single-link DVI with max. resolution up to 1920 x
1200 @60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1530
@75Hz
- Supports DirectX 10.1
- Hardware Decode Acceleration for H.264, VC-1, and MPEG-2
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
ASM1061 controller:
- 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
Realtek® 8111E Gigabit LAN controller
(continued on the next page)
ix
P8H61-M PRO specications summary
Audio ALC887 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC supports:
- Jack-detection, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking (HD only)
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to
support an 8-channel audio output.
USB 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at the back
ASUS unique
features
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking
features
Rear panel ports 1 x PS/2 COMBO port (keyboard & mouse)
panel)
2 x USB 3.0 ports (at back panel)
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
GPU Boost
ASUS Turbo V
ASUS MemOK!
AI Suite II
ASUS EPU
ASUS EFI BIOS
ASUS Anti-Surge protection
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS AI Charger
ASUS MyLogo 2
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at
1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x D-Sub port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
2 x USB 3.0 ports
6 x Audio jacks
(continued on the next page)
x
P8H61-M PRO specications summary
Internal connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1
BIOS features 32 Mb Flash ROM, EFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM2.0, SMBIOS
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cable
Support DVD Drivers
Form factor
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
ports
1 x System panel connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CPU fan connector
2 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x COM connector
1 x LPT connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin EATX 12V Power connector
v2.6, ACPI v2 0a, Multi-language BIOS
1 x Support DVD
1 x I/O shield
User Manual
ASUS Update
ASUS Utilities
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.0 in (24.4 cm x 22.9 cm)
xi
xii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61-M PRO 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-M PRO motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/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
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-1
LGA1155 socket for 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.
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 2nd
generation processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing
serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.
Additionally, the H61 provides 4 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports for faster data
retrieval at double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
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
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.
True Serial ATA 6Gb/s support
ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability,
faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
PCI Express 2.0 support
This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed
and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
S/PDIF out connector at the back I/O
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home
theater audio systems via the optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital
Interface) out connecor at the back I/O. The S/PDIF transfers digital audio
without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal quality.
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.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors
This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
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, while 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.
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable
memory rescue tool requires a mere push of the button to patch memory
issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves
your system boot success. Get your system up and running in no time.
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.
GPU Boost
GPU Boost overclocks the integrated GPU in real time for the best
graphics performance. User-friendly UI facilitates exible frequency and
voltage adjustments. Its ability to deliver multiple overclocking proles
also provides rapid and stable system-level upgrades.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard
from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply
(PSU).
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-3
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.
AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates ASUS
features into one simple to use software package. It allows you you to
supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed control, voltage
and sensor readings, and even interact with mobile devices via Bluetooth.
All in one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no need
to switch back and forth between different utilities.
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 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.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to
static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-5
P8H61-M PRO
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
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
P8H61-M PRO
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
C
LR
T
C
AAFP
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN1
CHA_FAN2
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
ALC
887-VD
RTL
8111E
EPU
ASM
1442
32Mb
BIOS
ASM
1061
ASM
1042
SB_PWR
SPDIF_OUT
22.9cm(9.0in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA1155
Intel
®
H61
DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA3G_2SATA3G_1
SATA3G_4SATA3G_3
SATA6G_E2
SATA6G_E1
PANEL
TPM
MemOK!
DRAM_LED
O2LED2
AUDIO
KB_USB34
LAN1_USB12
HDMI
SPDIF_O2
USB3_12
DVI_VGA
Super
I/O
COM1
ATX12V
LPT
USB56 USB78 USB910
GPU_Boost
21 43 2 5
9
8
1
7
6
12
11
2
10
15 14 13161719 18
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin
1.
EATX12V)
CPU and Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
2.
4-pin CHA_FAN1, 4-pin CHA_FAN2)
3. Intel® CPU socket 1-8 13. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA6G1-2 ) 1-24
1-26 11. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-30
1-25 12.
4. DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-7 14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-26
5. GPU Boost switch 1-30 15.
6. GPU Boost LED (O2LED2) 1-31 16. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT ) 1-26
7. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 1-23 17. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 1-25
8. DRAM LED 1-31 18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23
9. MemOK! switch 1-29 19 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-27
10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-20
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-7
Intel® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_1~4 [blue])
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78,
USB910)
1-24
1-27
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A
B
P8H61-M PRO
P8H61-M PRO CPU socket LGA1155
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® 2nd
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
Load lever
released from the retention tab.
To prevent damage to the socket pins,
do not remove the PnP cap unless
you are installing a CPU.
Retention tab
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow until the load plate is completely
lifted.
4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU
socket by lifting the tab only.
Load plate
PnP cap
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
CPU notches
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!
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-9
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment keys
B
A
C
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.
7. Close the load plate (A), and then push
down the load lever (B), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention knob (C).
8. Insert the load lever under the retention
tab.
1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 an 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
ASUS P8H61-M PRO 1-11
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