Asus p8h77-m User Manual

P8H77-M

Motherboard

E7974

Third Edition (V3)
December 2012

Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
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means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

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ii

Contents

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

About this guide ........................................................................................ vii

P8H77-M specications summary ............................................................. ix

Chapter 1 Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Desigh ...................................

1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features ...............................................

1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY ..................................................................

1.3.6 Other special features .....................................................

1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................

1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

1.5.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1.5.4 Layout contents ...............................................................

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................

1.6.1 CPU installation .............................................................

1.6.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation .................

1.7 System memory .........................................................................

1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................

1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

1.8.3 PCI slot .........................................................................

1.8.4 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot .................................................

1.8.5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .............................................

1.8.6 PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot ...............................................

......................................... 1-4

1-1

1-2

1-2

1-3

1-3

1-5

1-5

1-7

1-8

1-8

1-8

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iii

Contents

1.8.7 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-26

1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................

1.10 Connectors .................................................................................

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1.11 Onboard switches ......................................................................

1.12 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................

1.13 Software support ........................................................................

1.13.1 Installing an operating system ......................................

1.13.2 Support DVD information ..............................................

1.14 Introduction to Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies ...
1-41

1.14.1 System Requirements for Intel® 2012 Desktop responsiveness

technologies ................................................................................. 1-41

®

1.14.2 Intel

1.14.3 Intel

1.14.4 Intel

Smart Response Technology ............................... 1-43

®

Rapid Start Technology ........................................ 1-44

®

Smart Connect Technology .................................. 1-50

Chapter 2 BIOS information

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1

2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .......................................................

2.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................

2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

2.3.1 System Language [English] ..........................................

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .......................................

2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] .................................................

2.3.4 Security .........................................................................

2.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................

2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] .............................................

2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................

2.4.3 EPU Power Saving Mode [Disabled] ............................

2.4.4 GPU Boost [OK] ............................................................

1-27

1-28

1-28

1-29

1-38

1-39

1-40

1-40

1-40

2-1

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-6

2-10

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2-10

2-12

2-13

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2-13

2-13

iv

Contents

2.4.5 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 2-13

2.4.6 CPU Power Management .............................................

2.4.7 DIGI+ VRM ....................................................................

2.4.8 CPU Voltage [Offset Mode] ...........................................

2.4.9 DRAM Voltage [Auto] ....................................................

2.4.10 VCCSA Voltage [Auto] ..................................................

2.4.11 PCH Voltage [Auto] .......................................................

2.4.12 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................

2.5 Advanced menu .........................................................................

2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2.5.2 PCH Conguration ........................................................

2.5.3 SATA Conguration .......................................................

2.5.4 System Agent Conguration .........................................

2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................

2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

2.5.7 APM ..............................................................................

2.5.8 Network Stack ...............................................................

2.6 Monitor menu .............................................................................

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] 2-2

2.6.3 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage ..

2.6.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................

2.6.5

2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] .......................................

2.7 Boot menu ..................................................................................

2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] .........................................

2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled] ...........................................

2.7.3 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................

2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ...........................

2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................

2.7.6 UEFI/Legacy Boot [Enabled both UEFI and Legacy] ....

2.7.7 PCI ROM Priority [Legacy ROM] ..................................

2.7.8 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................

2.7.9 Boot Override ................................................................

Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] .................... 2-24

[xxxºC/xxxºF] ...... 2-23

2-13

2-14

2-16

2-16

2-16

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3

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v

Contents

2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-27

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................

2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

2.8.3 ASUS SPD Information .................................................

2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................

Appendices

Notices .......................................................................................................A-1

2-27

2-27

2-27

2-28

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 qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, ensure 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 qualied service

technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

•

Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it

supports.

• Chapter 2: 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

P8H77-M specications summary

CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second/Third Generation Core™ i7 /

Chipset Intel® H77 Express Chipset
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0*/2.0 x16 slot [blue] (at x16 mode)

Graphics Integrated Graphics Processor - Intel® HD Graphics support

Multi-GPU support Supports AMD® Quad-CPU CrossFireX™ Technology

Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors
Supports 32nm and 22nm 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.

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC
DDR3 2200 (O.C.)*/2133 (O.C.)*/2000 (O.C.)*/1866 (O.C.)*
/1600/1333/1066 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 32GB* system memory

- Support Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)

* DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory frequency is supported

by Intel® third generation processors.

** Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866 MHz memory
module will run at DDR3 2000/1800 MHz as default.

*** The Max. 32GB memory capacity can be supported with

DIMMs of 8GB (or above). ASUS will update QVL once the
DIMMs are available on market.

**** Refer to

***** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot [black] (at x4 mode, compatible with
PCIe x1, x2, and x4 devices)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot
1 x PCI slot
* Intel® Third Generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0.

Mult-VGA output support: HDMI, DVI, RGB port

- Supports HDMI with max.resolution 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

- Supports DVI with max.resolution 1920 x 1200 @60Hz

- Supports RGB with max.resolution 2048 x 1536 @75Hz

Supports Intel® Tru 3D/Quick Sync Video/Clear Video HD
Technology/Insider™
Maximum shared memory of 1696 MB

Supports LucidLogix® Virtu MVP Technology*
* LucidLogix® Virtu MVP supports Windows® 7.

www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualied

Vendors Lists).

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.

(continued on the next page)

ix

P8H77-M specications summary

Storage Intel® H77 Express Chipset:

- 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors (gray) with RAID 0, 1, 5,
10 support

- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors (blue) with RAID 0, 1, 5,
10 support

- Supports Intel® Smart Response Technology, Intel® Rapid
Start Technology, Intel
* Supports Intel

®

®

Core processors under Windows® 7 operating

Smart Connect Technology*

system.

LAN Realtek® 8111F Gigabit LAN controller
Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel* High-Denition Audio CODEC

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

- 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 Intel® H77 Express Chipset:

- Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost UASP Mode*

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel support

- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue)

- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at
back panel)

* The USB 3.0 ports only support Windows

®

7 or later versions.

UASP standard only supports Windows® 8.

ASUS Exclusive
overclocking features

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.005V increment

- vCCSA: 191-step system agent voltage control

- vDRAM Bus: 191-step memory voltage control

- vPCH: 191-step chipset voltage control

- iGPU: 127-step iGPU voltage control

- vCPU_PLL: 1-step CPU & PCH PLL voltage control

Rear panel ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse port

1 x Optical S/PDIF out port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x RGB port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
3 x 8-channel Audio jacks

(continued on the next page)

x

P8H77-M specications summary

ASUS Special
features

Internal connectors 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports

ASUS DIGI+VRM

- Digital Power Control: Digital Power Design for the CPU
and iGPU

- ASUS 4+1+1 Power Phase Design

ASUS Protect 3.0 Technology

- ASUS EPU

- Anti-Surge Protection

- Low EMI Solution

- 100% Solid Capacitors

ASUS Exclusive Features

- Network iControl featuring instant network bandwidth for
top network program in use.

- USB 3.0 Boost featuring the latest USB 3.0 UASP standard

- Disk Unlocker featuring 3TB+HDD support

- GPU Boost

- TurboV

- AI Suite II

- ASUS ESD

- MemOK!

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink solution

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring user-friendly
interface

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (blue)
1 x 4-pin CPU fan connector
1 x 3-pin Chassis fan connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x COM connector
1 X LPT connector
1 x TPM connector

(continued on the next page)

xi

P8H77-M specications summary

BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor

* Specications are subject to change without notice.

SMBIOS v2.6, ACPI v2.0, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash
2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcyt
Function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect)
memory information

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE

1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
1 x Support DVD

ASUS Update
ASUS Utilities
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

xii

Chapter 1

Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H77-M 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 P8H77-M 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.

ASUS P8H77-M 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3
/ Pentium® / Celeron® Processors

This motherboard supports Intel® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron®
processors in the LGA1155 package, with iGPU, memory and PCI Express controllers
integrated to support onboard graphics output with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMMs)
DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance.
Intel® 3rd / 2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors are among the

most powerful and energy efcient CPUs in the world.

Intel® H77 Express Chipset

The Intel® H77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset designed to support the 1155 socket Intel®
3rd / 2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors. It provides improved

performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

Additionally, H77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster data retrieval speed.
Moreover, Intel® H77 Express Chipset can also enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the
latest Intel® integrated graphic performance.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.)* /2133(O.C.)* /2000(O.C.)* /1866(O.C.)* / 1600 /
1333 / 1066 MHz Support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of DDR3 2200(O.

C.)* /2133(O.C.)* /2000(O.C.)* /1866(O.C.)* / 1600 / 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.

* Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2000/1800MHz

frequency as default.

** DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory frequency is supported by Intel

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 userss an 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 CoreTM processors.

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

®

3rd generation processors.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

S/PDIF transfers digital audio without converting it to analog format and keeps the best signal
quality.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an

ACPI management function to provide efcient power management for advanced operating

systems.

8-channel high denition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia)
CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that
automatically detects and identies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio
I/O jacks and noties users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more

confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

Complete USB 3.0 Integration

ASUS facilitates the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel – 4 USB

3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times
faster than USB 2.0. P8H77-M affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.

1.3.2 DIGI+ VRM Digital Power Desigh

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 efciently delivering

precision power. Accurate delivery reduces waste, and provides more stable CPU Vcore
voltages. Users can adjust CPU PWM voltages and frequencies 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

Energy Efciency All Around

Tap into the world’s rst real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard 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 ASUS Exclusive Features

USB 3.0 Boost

Faster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASP

New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol), the

latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed
is signicantly increased up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer

speed. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0
peripherals without the need for any user interaction.

ASUS P8H77-M 1-3

Network iControl

Real-time Network Bandwidth Control

With a single-click on/off button, the application currently in use has its data and network

bandwidth prioritized over other programs. Moreover, you can prioritize your favorite software
easily by conguring proles through the intuitive user interface. Within the prole, programs
can be pre-scheduled to run in a specic time period to avoid network congestion and

long-waits on downloads. Auto PPPoE network connection provides a one-step setup for

enhanced online convenience. Overall, it’s an intuitive network bandwidth control center.

GPU Boost

Go to the Limit with iGPU Level Up!

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance. The user-

friendly interface facilitates exible frequency adjustments. It easily delivers stable system-

level upgrades for every use.

MemOK!

Any Memory is A-OK!

MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines fail-safe
settings and dramatically improves your system boot success. Get your system up and
running in no time!

AI Suite II

One-stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features

With its 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 TurboV

Easy, Real-Time O.C. Tunings

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 proles in TurboV

provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.

1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

Fanless Design: stylish heatsink solution
The Wing Heatsink features a 0-dB thermal solution that offers users a noiseless PC

environment. The beautifully curved ns not only upgrade the visual enjoyment for
motherboard users, but also effectively cools down hot airows generated by the PCH

chipset. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS Wing Heatsink will give users an
extremely silent and cooling experience with the elegant appearance!.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS 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 proles offer exible controls of fan speed

to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

Flexible and Easy BIOS Interface

ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the rst mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable

modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only

controls. It also fully-utilizes 2.2TB and larger hard drives in 64-bit operating systems with

native support.

ASUS exclusive interface

EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info. Users can choose system performance settings,
and drag and drop boot priorities. Advanced Mode for performance enthusiasts includes
detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated memory info page for complete insight.

New upgrade! Quick and easy information for enhanced system control

- F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI information and troubleshooting

- New F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

- ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information for accessing memory

information, detecting faulty DIMMs, and helping with difcult POST situations.

ASUS EZ-Flash 2

Simply update BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update BIOS

from a USB ash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in a few clicks
without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based ash utility.

1.3.6 Other special features

LucidLogix® Virtu MVP™

LucidLogix® Virtu MVP featuring HyperFormance™ Technology boosts your discrete graphics
card up to 60% beyond its original performance. Designed for Intel
and Windows® 7 PCs, it perfectly combines the performance of discrete graphics cards
with fast computing iGPU. Also with the newly designed Virtual Sync, users can enjoy a
smoother gaming experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. LucidLogix
also dynamically assign tasks to the best available graphics resource, based on power,

performance and system load. This allows users to fully utilize 3x faster video conversion with

Intel® Quick Sync Video 2.0 technology while retaining high-end 3D rendering and gaming
performance, provided by both NVIDIA® and AMD graphic cards. When the discrete graphics

card is not required, power consumption goes automatically down to near zero, making the

system more environmentally-friendly. For users searching for perfection, LucidLogix Virtu
MVP provides great graphical performance and the best exibility and efciency.

*LucidLogix® Virtu Universal MVP™ supports Windows® 7 operating system.

**Intel® Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel® Core™ processor family.

ASUS P8H77-M 1-5

®

processor graphics

®

Virtu MVP could

HDMI Support

Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater Entertainment

High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video standards that delivers

mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital video for full HD 1080p visuals through a
single cable. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI
provides you with the highest quality home theater experience.

ErP Ready

The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires
products to meet certain energy efciency requirement in regards to energy consumptions.
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products

through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus
mitigate environmental impacts.

1-6 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 P8H77-M 1-7

1.5 Motherboard overview

P8H77-M

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration 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 eight 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

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

P8H77-M

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX1_1

PCI1

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

VIA

1708S

ASM
1442

64Mb
BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

PANEL

24.4cm(9.6in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

Intel

®

H77

ICS

9LRS4206

ASM
1083

DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA3G_2
SATA3G_4

SATA3G_1

SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1

SATA3G_3

TPM

SPDIF_OUT

LPT

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

LGA1155

EATX12V

USB3_34

USB78 USB56USB910

COM1

RTL

8111F

LAN_USB12

LAN3_12

AUDIO

KB_USB3_34

SPDIF_O

DVI_VGA

DIGI

+VRM

HDMI

1 12 3

4

14 1315161718

5

2

8

12

10

9

11

6

7

1.5.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

CPU and Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,

1.
3-pin CHA_FAN)

ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin

2.
EATX12V)

3. Intel® CPU socket 1-10 12.

4. DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-15 13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-36

5. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 1-37 14.

6. MemOK! switch 1-38 15. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 1-33

7 DRAM LED 1-39 16. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-37

8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-32 17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-29

1-34 10. Standby Power LED (SB_PWR) 1-39

Intel® H77 Serial ATA 6.0GB/s connectors

1-35 11.

(7-pin SATA6G_1~2 [gray])

Intel® H77 Serial ATA 3.0GB/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_1~2 [blue])

USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78,
USB910)

9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-27 18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-33

ASUS P8H77-M 1-9

1-30

1-31

1-32

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®
Second/Third Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3/ Pentium

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.

®

/ Celeron® processors.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.1 CPU installation

A

B

The LGA1156 CPU is incompatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install a LGA1156
CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

1

2

ASUS P8H77-M 1-11

A

B

C

3

4

5

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation

Apply the Thermal Interface Material
to the CPU heatsink and CPU
before you install the heatsink and
fan if necessary.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1

B

A

B

A

3

2

4

ASUS P8H77-M 1-13

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1

2

A

B

B

A

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 System memory

P8H77-M

P8H77-M 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

1.7.1 Overview

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

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for
better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

We recommend you install one memory module in either of the blue slots (DIMM_A2 or
DIMM_B2) to get better performance.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

ASUS P8H77-M 1-15

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

• According to Intel CPU specication, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to

protect the CPU.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

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

- Install a 64-bit Windows® OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a
higher frequency, refer to section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.

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

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

®

OS, when you install 4GB

®

OS.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.

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

• Visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

P8H77-M Motherboard Qualied Vendors List (QVL)

DDR3-2400MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

CORSAIR CMGTX8(XMP) 8GB (2GBx4) SS - - 10-12-10-27 1.65V • • •

F3-19200CL11Q-

G.SKILL

16GBZHD(XMP)
G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V • • •
GEIL GET34GB2400C9DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • •
KINGMAX FLLE88F-C8KKAA HAIS(XMP) 2GB SS - - 10-11-10-30 1.8V • • •
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK(427652)(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - - 1.65V • • •
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) SS - - 9 1.65V • • •
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK(374243)(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9 1.65V • • •
PATRIOT PVV34G2400C9K(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • •

16GB (4x4GB) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65V • •

Brand

Chip

Timing Voltage

NO.

DIMM socket support (Optional)
1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3-2250MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

KINGMAX KHX2250C9D3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Brand

Chip
NO.

Timing Voltage

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3-2200MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

G.SKILL F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS(XMP)

GEIL GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-10-9-28 1.65V • • •
GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC(XMP) 4GB DS - - 9-11-9-28 1.65V •
KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJAA-FEIS(XMP) 2GB DS - - - - • • •

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KHA EEIH(XMP)

KINGMAX FLKE85F-B8KJA FEIH(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - - 1.5V-1.7V • • •

4GB
(2X2GB)

4GB
(2X2GB)

Chip
NO.

Timing Voltage

Brand

DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65V

DS - - - 1.5V-1.7V •

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

DDR3-2133MHz capability

SS/DSChip

Vendors Part No. Size

A-DATA AX3U2133GC2G9B-DG2(XMP) 2GB SS - - 9-11-9-27 1.55-1.75V • • •

CMT16GX3M4X2133C9(XMP

CORSAIR

1.3)
CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A2133C9(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-10-9-24 1.65V • • •
CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9(XMP) 4GB (2GBx2) DS - - 9-10-9-27 1.5V • • •

G.SKILL F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH(XMP)

GEIL GE34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 2GB DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V • •
GEIL GU34GB2133C9DC(XMP) 4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-28 1.65V • • •

KHX2133C9AD3T1K2/

KINGSTON

4GX(XMP)
KHX2133C9AD3X2K2/

KINGSTON

4GX(XMP)
KHX2133C9AD3T1K4/

KINGSTON

8GX(XMP)
KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4/

KINGSTON

8GX(XMP)

16GB
(4x4GB)

16GB
(4GBx4)

4GB (2x2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

4GB (2x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • •

8GB (4x2GB) DS - - 9-11-9-27 1.65V • • •

8GB (4x2GB) DS - - - 1.65V • • •

Chip

Brand

DS - - 9-11-10-27 1.50V • • •

DS - - 9-11-10-28 1.65V • • •

Timing Voltage

NO.

ASUS P8H77-M 1-17

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs