ASUS P8Q77-M2 User Manual

P8Q77-M2

Motherboard

E7976 Second Edition

December 2012

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

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Contents

Safety information ...................................................................................................... vi

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

P8Q77-M2 specications summary .......................................................................... ix

Package contents ....................................................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Special features ............................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.1 Product highlights ...........................................................................1-1

1.1.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................................... 1-2

1.2 Before you proceed ...................................................................................... 1-3

1.3 Motherboard overview .................................................................................1-4

1.3.1 Placement direction ........................................................................1-4

1.3.2 Screw holes ....................................................................................1-4

1.3.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................................1-5

1.3.4 Layout contents ...............................................................................1-6

1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................... 1-7

1.4.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................................... 1-8

1.4.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation ................................. 1-10

1.5 System memory .......................................................................................... 1-12

1.5.1 Overview .......................................................................................1-12

1.5.2 Memory congurations ..................................................................1-13

1.5.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................................1-16

1.6 Expansion slots .......................................................................................... 1-17

1.6.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................................1-17

1.6.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................................... 1-17

1.6.3 PCI slots ........................................................................................1-17

1.6.4 PCI Express x4 slot .......................................................................1-17

1.6.4 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................................1-18

1.7 Jumpers.......................................................................................................1-18

1.8 Connectors ..................................................................................................1-20

1.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................................. 1-20

1.8.2 Internal connectors .......................................................................1-21

1.9 Onboard switches ......................................................................................1-28

1.10 Onboard LEDs ............................................................................................1-29

1.11 Software support ........................................................................................ 1-30

1.11.1 Installing an operating system ......................................................1-30

1.11.2 Support DVD information ..............................................................1-30

1.11.3 Intel® SBA support .........................................................................1-31

iii

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 ........................................................................................ 2-12

2.4.1 CPU bus speed : DRAM speed ratio mode [Auto] ........................2-12

2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] .............................................................2-12

2.4.3 GPU Boost [OK] ............................................................................ 2-13

2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control ...................................................................2-13

2.4.5 CPU Power Management ............................................................. 2-13

2.5 Advanced menu .......................................................................................... 2-15

2.5.1 Trusted Computing ........................................................................2-15

2.5.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................................2-16

2.5.3 PCH Conguration ........................................................................2-17

2.5.4 SATA Conguration ....................................................................... 2-18

2.5.5 System Agent Conguration ......................................................... 2-19

2.5.6 Intel TXT(LT) Conguration ........................................................... 2-19

2.5.8 USB Conguration ........................................................................ 2-20

2.5.7 AMT Conguration ........................................................................2-20

2.5.9 Onboard Devices Conguration .................................................... 2-21

2.5.10 APM ..............................................................................................2-22

2.5.11 Serial Port Console Redirection .................................................... 2-23

2.5.12 Network Stack ............................................................................... 2-24

2.6 Monitor menu .............................................................................................. 2-25

2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]...................... 2-26

2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] ............2-26

2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ......................................................2-26

2.6.4 Chassis1/2 Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ............................................ 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 Post Delay Time [3 sec] ................................................................2-29

2.7.4 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] .......................................................2-29

2.7.5 Fast Boot [Enabled] ......................................................................2-29

2.7.6 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] ........................................... 2-30

2.7.7 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] .................................................................2-30

2.7.8 Next boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot] ..............................2-30

2.7.9 CSM Parameters ..........................................................................2-30

2.7.10 Security Boot parameters .............................................................2-31

2.7.11 Boot Option Priorities ....................................................................2-32

2.7.12 Boot Override ................................................................................ 2-32

2.8 Tools menu .................................................................................................. 2-33

2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................................2-33

2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................................... 2-33

2.8.3 ASUS SPD Information ................................................................. 2-33

2.9 Exit menu ....................................................................................................2-34

Appendices

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

ASUS contact information ...................................................................................... A-3

Safety information

Electrical safety

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical 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 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.

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.

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.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

viii

P8Q77-M2 specications summary

CPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 /

Core™ i3, Pentium®, and Celeron® processors

Supports Intel® 22/32nm CPU

• Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.

Chipset Intel® Q77 Express Chipset

Memory 4 x DIMMs, max. 32GB, DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C) / 1600/

1333 / 1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory

Dual-channel memory architecture

• Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors List).

• When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating system.

Graphics Multi-VGA output support: DVI-D, DVI-I port

Supports DVI-D and DVI-I with max. resolution 1920 x1200@60Hz

Maximum UMA memory: 1748MB

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot

1 x PCI Express 2.0 x4 slot

2 x PCI slots

• Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0.

Storage

Intel® Q77 Express Chipset

- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (blue)

- 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)

- Supports RAID 0/1/10/5 and AHCI mode

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

• Supports on Intel® Core™ processor family with Windows® 7 operating systems.

LAN

Intel® 82579 Gigabit LAN controller

Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and Anti-pop function

• Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.

USB 4 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (2 ports at midboard, 2 ports at the back panel [blue])

10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at midboard, 4 ports at the back panel)

ASUS unique features

ASUS Exclusive Features:

- GPU Boost

- ASUS USB 3.0 Boost

- MemOK!

- ASUS AI Suite II

- ASUS UEFI BIOS featuring graphics user interface

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fan Xpert+

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™

(continued on the next page)

P8Q77-M2 specications summary

Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)

1 x DVI-D port

1 x DVI-I port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports

3 x audio jacks (8-channel)

Internal I/O connectors

BIOS features 128 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a,

Manageability

Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor

1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connectors support additional 2 USB ports (19-pin)

3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports

2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (gray)

4 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (blue)

1 x CPU fan connector

2 x Chassis fan connectors

1 x Front panel audio connector

1 x Speaker connector

1 x LPT connector

1 x COM connector

1 x Chassis intrusion connector

1 x System panel connector

1 x 24-pin EATX power connector

1 x 8-pin EATX 12V poweer connector

1 x TPM IC onboard

1 x Clear CMOS jumper

1 x DIS_ME jumper

1 x DRCT header

Multi-language BIOS, SM BIOS v2.7, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, ASUS EZ Flash 2, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function, and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information

DMI v2.0, WfM 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)

Micro ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.9 in (24.4 cm x 22.6 cm)

Specications are subject to change without notice.

Package contents

P8Q77-M2

DVI-D

PCIEX16

PCI1

PCI2

PCIEX4_1

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN1

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ALC 887

EPU

KBMS

DVI-I

64Mb BIOS

64Mb

BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

DIS_ME

DRCT

22.6cm(8.9in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

Intel

Q77

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_1

SATA3G_4 SATA3G_3

SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1

AUDIO

USB1-4

LAN_USB3_12

LPT

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

LGA1155

EATX12V

USB3_34

F_PANEL

SPEAKER

USB56USB78USB910

COM1

CHASSIS

Intel 82579

User Guide

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS P8Q77-M2 motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables

1 x I/O-Shield User Guide Support DVD

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

xii

Product introduction

1.1 Special features

1.1.1 Product highlights

Intel® LGA1155 for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation processors

This motherboard supports the Intel® 3rd/2nd generation processors in the LGA1155 package. It provides great graphics and system performance with its GPU, dual-channel DDR3 memory slots, and PCI Express 2.0/3.0 expansion slots.

Intel® Q77 Express Chipset

Intel® Q77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset that supports the 1155 socket Intel® 3rd/2nd

generation processors. It utilizes the serial point-to-point links, which increases bandwidth

and enhances the system’s performance. Additionally, Q77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster data retrieval speed.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066MHz

The motherboard supports the dual-channel DDR3 memory that features data transfer

rates of 2200(O.C.) / 2000(O.C.) / 1800(O.C) / 1600/ 1333/ 1066 MHz to boost the system’s

performance, and to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

PCI Express® 3.0

PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the PCI Express bus standard that provides twice the performance and speed of PCIe 2.0. It provides an optimal graphics performance, unprecedented data speed, and seamless transition with its complete backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0/2.0 devices.

* Intel® 3rd generation Core™ processors support PCIe 3.0.

Complete USB 3.0 integration

This motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panels, allowing you to experience the convenience of the latest plug and play connectivity solution at speed up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support

With Intel® Q77 Express Chipset natively support for the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer rates. It also provides enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

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.

ASUS P8Q77-M2

1-1

1.1.2 Innovative ASUS features

ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the rst mouse-controlled intuitive

graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls,

providing you with more exibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the

traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features:

• F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey

• F3 Shortcut for most accessed information

• ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and

helping with difcult POST situations.

USB 3.0 Boost

With USB 3.0 Boost technology, USB transfer speeds are signicantly increased up to

132%, enhancing an already impressive USB 3.0 transfer rate. ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any further user interaction.

GPU Boost

GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance, facilitates

exible frequency adjustments, and easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every

use.

MemOK!

MemOK!, the remarkable memory rescue tool, allows you to simply press a button to patch memory issues, ensure memory boot compatibility, determine fail-safe settings, and dramatically improve the system’s bootup.

AI Suite II

With its user interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to

launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to congure the overclocking

settings, adjust the frequencies and related voltages, remotely control the system via a mobile device, and other easy-to-use helpful utilities.

FAN Xpert+

Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert+ allows users to independently adjust both CPU and case fan speeds with multiple dedicated controllers based on different ambient temperatures,

climate conditions and system loads. Built-in proles offer exible automatic and manual fan

speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool computing environment.

ASUS MyLogo2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS

le using the bundled support DVD or USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.

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.

1.2 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 P8Q77-M2

1-3

P8Q77-M2

1.3 Motherboard overview

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.

1.3.1 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.

1.3.2 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

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

P8Q77-M2

PCIEX16

PCI1

PCI2

PCIEX4_1

AAFP

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN1

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ALC 887

EPU

KBMS

DVI-I

64Mb BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

DIS_ME

DRCT

22.6cm(8.9in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

Intel

Q77

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_1

SATA3G_4 SATA3G_3

SATA6G_2 SATA6G_1

AUDIO

USB1-4

LAN_USB3_12

LPT

DRAM_LED

MemOK!

LGA1155

EATX12V

USB3_34

F_PANEL

SPEAKER

USB56USB78USB910

COM1

CHASSIS

Intel

82579

DVI-D

1 12 3 4

1113 1214151617181920

1.3.3 Motherboard layout

ASUS P8Q77-M2

1-5

1.3.4 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2) 1-23

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 1-22

3. Intel® LGA1155 CPU socket 1-7

4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-12

5. DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 1-29

6. MemOK! switch 1-28

7. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-27

8. Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2) 1-25

9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-19

10. Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4) 1-26

11. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-24

12. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-24

13. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 1-27

14. Direct connector (2-pin DRCT) 1-22

15. Intel® ME jumper (3-pin DIS_ME) 1-18

16. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-23

17. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-26

18. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-25

19. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-21

20. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-29

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Right

P8Q77-M2

P8Q77-M2 CPU socket LGA1155

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® 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.

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1.4.1 Installing the CPU

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

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

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1.4.2 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

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

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1.5 System memory

P8Q77-M2

P8Q77-M2 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

1.5.1 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

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2 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.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

• Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded XMP Prole is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and

compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU's capabilities and other installed devices.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB 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.

P8Q77-M2 Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR3-2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No. Size SS/DS

G.SKILL F3-19200CL11Q-16GBZHD(XMP1.3) 16GB(4GB x 4) DS - - 11-11-11-31 1.65V ●

KINGSTON KHX2400C11D3K4/8GX(XMP) 8GB(4GB x 2) SS - - - 1.65V ● ●

Chip

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Brand

Due to Intel® 3rd generation processors’ behavior, DDR3 2250 (and above)/2133/1866 MHz

memory modules run at DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz frequency as default.

ASUS P8Q77-M2

DIMM socket support (Optional)

2 DIMMs 4 DIMMs

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