Asus PQ5C User Manual

P5QC

Motherboard

E3810

First Edition June 2008

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ....................................................................................................... viii

Safety information ...................................................................................... ix

About this guide .......................................................................................... x

P5QC specications summary ................................................................. xii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-3

1.3.3 ASUS Intelligent Performance and

Overclocking features ..................................................... 1-7

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

Onboard LED ................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4

2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-9

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-10

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-12

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-18

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-18

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-18

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-19

iii

Contents

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-20

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-20

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-20

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-21

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-24

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-24

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-26

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-39

2.9 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-40

2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-40

2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-40

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4

3.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 3-5

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-8

3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-8

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-8

3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-9

3.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................. 3-9

3.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 3-9

3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-9

3.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 3-9

3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-9

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10

3.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-10

3.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-10

3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 3-10

3.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 3-10

3.3.5 SATA 1-6 ........................................................................3-11

3.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-12

3.3.7 AHCI Conguration ....................................................... 3-13

3.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 3-14

Contents

3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 3-15

3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 3-15

3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting ........................................................ 3-16

3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge ........................................... 3-16

3.4.4 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 3-16

3.4.5 DRAM Timing Control .................................................. 3-17

3.4.6 DRAM Static Read Control .......................................... 3-18

3.4.7 DRAM Dynamic Write Control ...................................... 3-18

3.4.8 DRAM Read Training ................................................... 3-18

3.4.9 DRAM Write Training ................................................... 3-19

3.4.10 MEM. OC Charger ....................................................... 3-19

3.4.11 Ai Clock Twister ............................................................ 3-19

3.4.12 Ai Transaction Booster ................................................. 3-19

3.4.13 CPU Voltage ............................................................... 3-19

3.4.14 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................... 3-20

3.4.15 FSB Termination Voltage .............................................. 3-20

3.4.16 DRAM Voltage ............................................................. 3-20

3.4.17 NB Voltage ................................................................... 3-20

3.4.18 SB Voltage ................................................................... 3-21

3.4.19 PCIE SATA Voltage ...................................................... 3-21

3.4.20 Load-Line Calibration ................................................... 3-21

3.4.21 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-21

3.4.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-21

3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-22

3.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-22

3.5.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-24

3.5.3 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 3-25

3.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-26

3.5.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-27

3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-28

3.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 3-28

3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 3-28

3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 3-28

3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 3-28

3.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 3-29

Contents

3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-30

3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-32

3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-32

3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-33

3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-34

3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-36

3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-36

3.8.2 Drive Xpert Control ...................................................... 3-37

3.8.3 Drive Xpert Mode Update ............................................. 3-37

3.8.4 Express Gate ................................................................ 3-38

3.8.5 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 3-39

3.8.6 AI NET 2........................................................................ 3-40

3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-41

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3

4.2.4 Make disk menu .............................................................. 4-5

4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-6

4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6

4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-7

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo 2™ .......................................................... 4-9

4.3.2 AI NET2 .........................................................................4-11

4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-12

4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-18

4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-20

4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-21

4.3.7 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 4-23

4.3.8 ASUS EPU–6 Engine .................................................... 4-24

4.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link ...................................................... 4-28

4.3.10 Audio congurations ..................................................... 4-30

4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert ......................................................... 4-38

Contents

4.3.12 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 4-49

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-59

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-59

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-60

4.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations ............................................. 4-60

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 4-68

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-68

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-68

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

Using the Intel® EM64T feature ......................................................A-1

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................A-2

A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................ A-3

vii

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 modications

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.

viii

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 adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure 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, make sure 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.

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical, electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

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: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• Appendix: CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.

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.

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure 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

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>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly

as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /iP5QC.ROM

P5QC specications summary

CPU

Chipset Intel® P45 / ICH10R with Intel® Fast Memory Access

System Bus 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Memory

Expansion Slots

Storage Intel® ICH10R Southbridge:

LAN

Audio

IEEE 1394

USB

LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad /Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® Processors Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Intel® 45nm Multi-Core CPU support * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Technology

2 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR3 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR2 1066 / 800 / 667 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture

* DDR2 1066MHz DIMMs work only on the black slots for

one DIMM per channel. Ensure to install the DDR2 1066MHz DIMMs ONLY on the BLACK slots! * Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the

Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).

1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot supports PCIe 2.0 mode 3 x PCIe x1 slots 2 x PCI slots

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel® Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1, 5, and 10 and Mix Mode (Intel matrix storage tech.) Marvell 88SE6111 controller:

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices

- 1 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s for Drive Xpert

Silicon Image SIL5723 controller (Drive Xpert Technology):

- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Supports RAID 0 and RAID 1

PCIe Gigabit LAN controller, featuring AI NET2

Realtek® ALC1200, 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

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

- Coaxial S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise-Filtering

LSI® L-FW3227 1394a controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one at mid-board, one at back panel)

12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xii

P5QC specications summary

ASUS Unique features ASUS Power Saving Solution:

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features

- ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design

- ASUS EPU-6 Engine

- ASUS AI Nap

ASUS AI Life Features:

- ASUS Express Gate

- ASUS MyLogo 2

- ASUS AI Direct Link

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish heatsink

- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Drive Xpert

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS AI Booster utility Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 6.25mV increment

- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset (N.B.): 40-step chipset voltage control

- vCPU PLL: 64-step reference voltage control

- vFSB Termination: 15-step Hyper Transport voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 667MHz to 1333MHz for DDR2

- Memory tuning from 200MHz to 2000MHz for DDR3

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 180MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking Protection:

- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

xiii

P5QC specications summary

Back Panel I/O Ports

Internal I/O Connectors

BIOS Features

Manageability

Support DVD Contents Drivers

Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (Purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (Green) 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) 1 x IEEE1394a port 1 x RJ45 port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports

3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x COM connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x SATA connectors 2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x IEEE1394a connector Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header Chassis Intrusion connector CD audio in 24-pin ATX Power connector 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors System Panel (Q-Connector)

8 Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4

WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,

ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite Image-Editing Suite Anti-virus software

(OEM version)

xiv

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

introduction

Product

Chapter summary

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

1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5QC

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5QC 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 P5QC

I/O modules 1 x 1-port eSATA and 1-port 1394 (4-pin) module

Cables 1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cables 6 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield) 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system

panel; Retail version only)

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

ASUS P5QC

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

1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packagings to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™2 Duo Processor Support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking,

multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. The

Intel® Core™ 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports Intel® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

Intel P45 Chipset

The Intel® P45 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support dualchannel DDR3 1066 / 800 or DDR2 800 / 667 architecture, 1333 / 1066 / 800 FSB (Front Side Bus), PCIe 2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It especially includes Intel®

Fast Memory Access technology that signicantly optimizes the use of available

memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses.

DDR3 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of

1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system

performance. Furthermore, this motherboard does not restrict the memory size across two channels. Users may install different memory size DIMMs into the two

channels and enjoy dual-channel and single-channel functions at the same time.

This new feature optimizes the use of available memory size. See page 2-13 for

details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

DDR2 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of

1066/800/667 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. See page 2-13 for details.

PCIe 2.0

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices.

Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go

This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s

storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus

bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices.

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Express Gate

Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop

gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the

most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and

Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!

• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.

• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and

USB drive and downloading to USB drives only.

ASUS P5QC

1-3

ASUS 3rd Generation 8 Phase Power Design

Longer Life, & Higher Efciency!

With power efciency so important to operating temperatures, ASUS' 3rd generation 8-phase VRM design leads the industry with its 95% power efciency.

High quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs for minimum switching loss & lower temperatures, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss, and high quality Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors all add up to ensure longer component life and lower power loss - creating more energy

efciency.

ASUS Power Saving Solution

ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption.

ASUS New EPU

"The World's Only Intelligent Power Saving Processor

The new EPU - ASUS' hardware-based energy saving processing unit for the PC, intelligently detects CPU and Graphics card loadings; and optimizes

the energy providing system in real-time. With auto phase switching, the

new EPU saves up to 80.23% CPU power, enhances power efciency by up to 96%, and is the world's rst energy-saving solution that can adjust both CPU and VGA voltages. The new EPU's user-friendly UI AI Gear 4,

also intelligently monitors the PC system status and displays the total power saved in full detail."

ASUS 3rd Generation 8 Phase Power Design

Longer Life, & Higher Efciency!

With power efciency so important to operating temperatures, ASUS' 3rd

generation 8-phase VRM design leads the industry with its 96% power

efciency. High quality power components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs

for minimum switching loss & lower temperatures, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss, and high quality Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors all add up to ensure longer component life and lower power loss

- creating more energy efciency.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.

Fanless Design - Stylish Heatsink Design

The wing-shaped heatsink features 0-dB thermal solution that offers users

a noiseless PC environment. Not only the beautifully curved ns upgrade

the visual enjoyment for motherboard users, but also the special thickened

bottom design effectively cools down hot airows generated by the north

bridge chipset. Combined with usability and aesthetics, the ASUS Patent Wing Heat-sink will give users an extremely silent and cooling experience

with the elegant appearance!

DO NOT uninstall the heatsink by yourself. Doing so may affect the heat dissipation performance.

Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speed according to different ambient temperature, which is caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system

loading. Built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan speed to

achieve a quiet and cool environment.

ASUS Crystal Sound

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.

ASUS AI Audio 2

AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound

eld without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue or

solo performances with downmixing from multichannels will allow you to experience true-to-life high quality audio.

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Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Drive Xpert

Without drivers or BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive

performances without the hassles of complicated congurations. With Drive Xpert’s user-friendly graphical user interface, users can easily arrange hard

drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates - making sure that data is looked after every moment, every day.

ASUS AI Direct Link

AI Direct Link can easily and efciently transfer large amounts of data via

the network cable - saving up to 70% of the total time taken. With AI Direct

Link, it becomes easy to backup or share large data les like movies or other

media content.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”

-- making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to

conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be

stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and

distribute their favorite settings.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an

OS-based ash utility.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

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.

1.3.3 ASUS Intelligent Performance and Overclocking features

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.

Precision Tweaker 2

Allows the user to adjust the NB Voltage, FSB termination Voltage, CPU PLL

Voltage and the DRAM Voltage in 0.02v steps to netune voltages to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking conguration.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, 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 default setting for each parameter.

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1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

information

Hardware