Asus P8H61 EVO User Manual
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Asus P8H61 EVO User Manual

Asus P8H61 EVO User Manual

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  • Page 1 P8H61 EVO...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................vii P8H61 EVO specifications summary ............ix Chapter 1 Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........
  • Page 4 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 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 Main menu .................. 2-11 2.3.1 System Language ............2-11...
  • Page 5 Setup Mode ..............2-27 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities ............ 2-27 2.7.7 Boot Override ..............2-27 Tools menu ................. 2-28 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ..........2-28 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ..........2-28 2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-28 Exit menu ..................2-29...

  • Page 6: Notices

    Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 8: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 9: P8H61 Evo Specifications Summary

    Dual-channel memory architecture Support Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) ® Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists). ** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit operating system may only recognize less ®...
  • Page 10 - ASUS EPU - Anti-Surge protection - LOW EMI solution - ESD ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heatsink Solution and MOS Heatsink - ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS EFI BIOS - ASUS AI Suite II...
  • Page 11 P8H61 EVO specifications summary Internal connectors / 1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 3.0/2.0 ports switches 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x System panel connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors...

  • Page 13: Product Introduction

    ® 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.
  • Page 14 DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance. True Serial ATA 6Gb/s support ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems. USB 3.0 support Experience ultra-fast data transfer at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0 –...

  • Page 15: Innovative Asus Features

    Get your system up and running in no time. ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away.

  • Page 16: Asus Mylogo2

    BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The BIOS C.P.R.

  • Page 17: Before You Proceed

    • Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 18: Motherboard Overview

    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 P8H61 EVO Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 19: Motherboard Layout

    1-29 16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-27 8. DRAM LED 1-31 17. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) 1-23 9. ASMedia USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-26 18. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-23 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 20: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    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.
  • Page 21 CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending Gold the connectors on the socket and triangle damaging the CPU! mark Alignment keys ASUS P8H61 EVO...
  • Page 22 Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre- applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

  • Page 23: Installing The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only. ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-11...

  • Page 24: Uninstalling The Cpu Heatsink And Fan

    Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

  • Page 25: System Memory

    DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-13...

  • Page 26: Recommended Memory Configurations

    Recommended memory configurations One DIMM: We recommend you install one memory module in the blue slots (DIMM_A2 or DIMM_B2) to get better performance. Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation): Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation, single-sided DIMMs only): Due to Intel H61 regulation, when install four DIMMs to form a dual-channel operation, only DIMMs of single-sided are supported.

  • Page 27: Memory Configurations

    2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. P8H61 EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors List (QVL) DDR3-1066MHz capability DIMM socket support Chip...
  • Page 28 DDR3-1333MHz capability DIMM socket support (Optional) Vendors Part No. Size Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM A-Data AD31333001GOU A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0906 - • • • 1.65- A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) 8-8-8-24 • • 1.85V A-Data AD31333002GOU...
  • Page 29 DIMM B1 (Black) DIMM B2 (Blue) Two DIMMs – – – – – DS/SS – DS/SS Four DIMMs *“SS” = Single-Sided, “DS” = Double-Sided, “–”=No Memory Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-17...

  • Page 30: Installing A Dimm

    1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. DIMM notch Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

  • Page 31: Expansion Slots

    This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 2.0 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-19...

  • Page 32: Jumpers

    Normal Clear RTC (Default) P8H61 EVO Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

  • Page 33: Connectors

    Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speaker in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the audio ports in the 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-21...
  • Page 34 Audio 2, 4, 6, and 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line in Line in Line in Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic in Mic in Orange...

  • Page 35: Internal Connectors

    P8H61 EVO Front panel audio connector If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, ensure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect an AC97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97].
  • Page 36 These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables. SATA6G_E2 P8H61 EVO SATA6G_E1 P8H61 EVO Intel SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors ® • Install the Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA.
  • Page 37 The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. ASUS P8H61 EVO...
  • Page 38 USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution. P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO USB3.0 Front panel connector The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. 1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 39 Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. P8H61 EVO SPDIF_OUT P8H61 EVO Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 4-pin CHA_FAN2) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

  • Page 40: System Panel Connector

    IDE_LED PWRSW RESET * Requires an ATX power supply P8H61 EVO System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

  • Page 41: Onboard Switches

    If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

  • Page 42: Onboard Leds

    Turbo Key II switch This switch allows you to enable or disable the Turbo Key II function. P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO Turbo Key II switch 1.12 Onboard LEDs Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode.
  • Page 43 DRAM LED P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO DRAM LED Turbo Key II LED The Turbo Key II LED lights when the Turbo Key II switch is turned to Enable. O2LED2 P8H61 EVO P8H61 EVO Turbo Key II LED ASUS P8H61 EVO 1-31...

  • Page 44: Software Support

    The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates. To run the Support DVD Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.

  • Page 45: Bios Information

    BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...

  • Page 46: Asus Ez Flash 2

    Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

  • Page 47: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 48: Asus Bios Updater

    2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
  • Page 49 The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.07 Current ROM Update ROM BOARD: P8H61 EVO BOARD: Unknown VER: 0304 VER:...

  • Page 50: Updating The Bios File

    Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 51: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: •...

  • Page 52: Bios Menu Screen

    Selects the boot device priority • The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system. • The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the system. ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 53: Advanced Mode

    The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Back button Menu items...

  • Page 54: Menu Items

    You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable. A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and press <Enter> or click on it to display a list of options. 2-10 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 55: Main Menu

    Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Main...

  • Page 56: Administrator Password

    To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. 2-12 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 57: Ai Tweaker Menu

    Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard.

  • Page 58: Memory Frequency

    CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys or the numeric keypad to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 2-14 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 59: Cpu Offset Mode Sign

    Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST). ® [Disabled] Disables this function. [Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and core frequency which may result in increased average consumption and decrease average heat production.

  • Page 60: Dram Voltage

    Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification. 2.4.13 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] [Auto] Automatic configuration. [Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability. [Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control. 2-16 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 61: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Ai Tweaker Main...
  • Page 62 Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU C6 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 63: System Agent Configuration

    2.5.2 System Agent Configuration The System Agent Configuration menu allows you to change the northbridge chipset settings. Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI] Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI] 2.5.3 PCH Configuration High Precision Timer [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.

  • Page 64: Usb Configuration

    AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands. 2-20 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 65: Serial Port Configuration

    ASM1061 Storage OPROM [Enabled] This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the OptionRom of the ASMedia 1061 storage controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller.

  • Page 66: Apm

    Enables Ring to generate a wake event. Power On By RTC [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event. When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/ [Enabled] Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values. 2-22 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 67: Monitor Menu

    Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Monitor Boot Tool CPU Temperature CPU Temperature +45ºC / +113ºF +45ºC / +113ºF MB Temperature +34ºC / +93ºF CPU Fan Speed...

  • Page 68: Chassis Q-Fan Control

    [Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation. [Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed. [Manual] Sets to [Manual] to assign detailed fan speed control parameters. 2-24 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 69: Cpu Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

    The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual]. Chassis Upper Temperature [70] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC. Chassis Fan Max.

  • Page 70: Boot Menu

    [Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Post Report [5 sec] This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to set the waiting time for the system to display the post report.

  • Page 71: Option Rom Messages

    • To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.

  • Page 72: Tools Menu

    > ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information...

  • Page 73: Exit Menu

    Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
  • Page 74 2-30 ASUS P8H61 EVO...

  • Page 75: Asus Contact Information

    +1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*...

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