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Astro PW64-Q2
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Summary of Contents for Ciara Astro PW64-Q2

  • Page 1 Astro PW64-Q2 User Guide...
  • Page 2 Intel and Core are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation Asus is a trademark of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All other names, brands, and trademarks are trademarks of their respective companies First printing May 2025 All rights reserved - © Hypertechnologie CIARA inc. - 2 -...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    1.1 Unpacking your micro PC............................6 1.2 Choosing a site for the system ..........................7 1.3 Getting to know your Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC ......................8 1.4 Recovery from CIARA recovery DVD ........................10 1.4.1 Recovery from CIARA Window 11 Home recovery DVD ....................... 10 1.4.2 Recovery from CIARA Window 11 Pro recovery DVD ........................
  • Page 4 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 3.3.1 Base System Details ................................... 42 4.0 Technical product specification CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 ..................43 4.1 Upgrading ................................45 4.2 Networking ................................46 4.3 The CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 BIOS ..........................46 4.3.1 BIOS configuration and installation ............................. 46 4.3.2 BIOS set-up program function keys .............................
  • Page 5: About This Guide

    Glossary. Please remember to fill out the Equipment Log and keep a copy in a safe place. With proper care and operating procedures your CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 will give you many years of service and high performance computing.
  • Page 6: Installing And Upgrading Your System

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.0 Installing and upgrading your system 1.1 Unpacking your micro PC Your micro PC is packed with ecologic moulded boxboard on four sides to keep it in place during transit. Carefully unpack your micro PC and be sure to save all boxboards for future shipping and transportation.
  • Page 7: Choosing A Site For The System

    Has an appropriate table or desk that will allow you to work without physical discomfort and strain. The Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC can be placed horizontally on your desk or mounted behind the monitor with the VESA mounting kit. The external power supply adapter must be : •...
  • Page 8: Getting To Know Your Astro Pw64-Q2 Micro Pc

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.3 Getting to know your Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC Front view 1- Power button 2- Headphone jack 3- USB 3.2 gen1 type A port 4- USB 3.2 gen1 type C port - 8 -...
  • Page 9 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Rear view 1- Kensington slot 9- USB 10 Gb/s type C port 2- Cover tumb screw 10- USB 5 Gb/s type A port 3- PS/2 port keyboard 11- 2 USB 10 Gb/s type A ports 4- PS/2 port mouse 12- Audio out 5- 2 USB 2.0 ports...
  • Page 10: Recovery From Ciara Recovery Dvd

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.4 Recovery from CIARA recovery DVD 1.4.1 Recovery from CIARA Window 11 Home recovery DVD Before you start this procedure, please back up all your important information, the recovery media will erase all data on HDD before installation.
  • Page 11: Recovery From Ciara Window 11 Pro Recovery Dvd

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.4.2 Recovery from CIARA Window 11 Pro recovery DVD Before you start this procedure, please back up all your important information, the recovery media will erase all data on HDD before installation. Insert the Windows 11 Pro Recovery DVD and restart the system.
  • Page 12: Windows Recovery From Startup Settings

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.4.3 Windows Recovery from Startup Settings 1.4.3.1 Windows 11 Recovery from Startup Settings With the Windows Startup Settings screen (formerly advanced boot options) you can start Windows in different advanced troubleshooting modes so you can find and fix problems on your PC. In previous versions of Windows, you could get to this screen by pressing F8 before Windows started up.
  • Page 13 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Choose Remove everything Press Next Set Clean data to Yes and press Confirm Press Reset Then follow the regular Windows 11 Installation process. - 13 -...
  • Page 14: Corrupted Bios Recovery

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.4.4 Corrupted BIOS recovery 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 USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 15: Using The Ciara Astro Pw64-Q2

    1.6.1 Introduction The CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 is a powerful micro PC that has the ability to run a variety of operating systems. Unless you have specified something different, your system comes configured with a Windows operating system pre-loaded onto the hard drive. Each operating system comes with its own user manuals, and you should refer to these for information specific to your system.
  • Page 16: Troubleshooting Your System After First Install

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.7 Troubleshooting your system after first install 1.7.1 Helpful hints If you encounter some minor problems with the micro PC, monitor, or software, see the following list of general suggestions before taking further action : • Check that the micro PC and monitor are plugged into a working electrical outlet.
  • Page 17: Solving General Problems

    You should be able to easily resolve the general problems described in this section. If a problem persists and you are unable to resolve it, or if you feel uncomfortable about performing the operation, contact CIARA at 1-877-242-7272 and ask for the Customer Service department.
  • Page 18: Solving Hard Drive Problems

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.8.1 Solving hard drive problems Solving hard drive problems Problem Cause Solution Hard drive error occurs. Hard disk has bad sectors or has Use a utility to locate and block usage of bad failed. sectors. If necessary, reformat the hard disk.
  • Page 19: Solving Display Problems

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.8.2 Solving display problems Solving display problems Problem Cause Solution Blank screen (no video). Monitor is not turned on and the Turn on the monitor and check that the monitor light is not on. monitor light is on.
  • Page 20: Solving Audio Problems

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.8.3 Solving audio problems Solving audio problems Problem Cause Solution Sound does not come out of the Software volume control is Double-click the Speaker icon on the taskbar, speaker or headphones. turned down. and then make sure that Mute is not selected and use the volume slider to adjust the volume.
  • Page 21: Solving Keyboard And Mouse Problems

    Keyboard connector is not Connect keyboard correctly properly connected. keyboard commands and typing. Keyboard needs repairs. Contact CIARA so that we may proceed to repairs. Micro PC is in Last State mode. Press the power button to resume from Last State mode.
  • Page 22: Solving Hardware Installation Problems

    PC the faulty module. beeps six times. 3. If a faulty module is found, Contact CIARA for the replacement of the module. 4. 4. If the problem persists, Contact CIARA for this may necessitate the replacement of the motherboard.
  • Page 23: Solving Memory Problems

    PC beeps three times. 3. If a faulty module is found, Contact CIARA for the replacement of the module. 4. 4. If the problem persists, Contact CIARA for this may necessitate the replacement of the motherboard.
  • Page 24: Component Installation Guide

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9 Component installation guide 1.9.1 Precautions against static electricity ATTENTION: Components such as processors and memory may be permanently damaged by shocks arising from static electricity. It is hence important to wear antistatic, smock, gloves, shoes and ankle during the installation process.
  • Page 25: Removing And Replacing The Cover

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.2 Removing and replacing the cover 1- Completely loosen the thumb screw. 2- Lift the cover and remove it. - 25 -...
  • Page 26: Installing An M.2 Ssd

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.3 Installing an M.2 SSD Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC comes with an M.2 M key slot in the chassis. 1- Locate slot M.2 M key A. Install the screw stand in the M.2 screw hole in which you wish to install your M.2 device.
  • Page 27: Installing A Sata Ssd

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.4 Installing a SATA SSD The Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC features a 2.5" SSD bay. 1- Remove the disc holder from the case and secure the disc with 4 screws. 3- Re-insert the disc holder into the case, align the notches with the case's fixing pins, then connect the SATA and power cables.
  • Page 28: Installation Of The Processor

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.5 Installation of the processor ATTENTION : Components such as the processor may be permanently damaged by shocks arising from static electricity. It is hence important to wear an antistatic bracelet during the installation process. Open the socket lever by pushing the lever down and away from the socket, lift the load plate.
  • Page 29: Installation Of The Processor Heatsink And Fan

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.6 Installation of the processor heatsink and fan Align the 4 heatsink pins with the 4 holes on the motherboard. 2- Secure the heatsink with the 4 nuts supplied. - 29 -...
  • Page 30: Installation Of The Memory Modules

    1.9.7 Installation of the memory modules Increasing the amount of system memory is the most common "on-site" enhancement that is likely to be made to your CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC. Increasing your computer’s memory usually involves adding main memory. DDR5 Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR5 SDRAM) is packaged only in 262-pin Dual In-Line Memory Modules (SO-DIMMs).
  • Page 31 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 You can install one or two SO-DIMMM of DDR5 memory. To install a SO-DIMM, first release the locking tabs. 2. Slide the module into the socket at a 90-degree angle to the main board. Align the module so that the pin 1 marking on the module corresponds to the SO-DIMM socket pin 1 marking.
  • Page 32: Installation Of Wifi Card

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.8 Installation of WiFi card NOTE: Your Micro PC includes an M.2 slot for 2230 wireless and Bluetooth modules. 1- (optional) Remove the M.2 SSD if one is installed. To remove the M.2 SSD, remove the screw from the standoff, then remove the M.2 SSD.
  • Page 33: Chassis Characteristics

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.9 Chassis Characteristics CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 casing specifications Power Source : External AC adapter 300 W, 12 V, 22 A Dimensions : (W x D x H) 180 x 187 x 56.5 mm (1.9 L) Processor cooling :...
  • Page 34: Installing The Micro Pc To A Vesa Mount-Compatible Device

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 1.9.10 Installing the Micro PC to a VESA mount-compatible device NOTE: • If you are installing your Micro PC to a monitor, make sure that the monitor complies to VESA standards. • Product and accessory images are for illustrative purposes only. The actual appearance and specifications may vary depending on model.
  • Page 35: Certification And Declaration

    CIARA is licensed to supply the Windows 11 operating systems software with its CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PCs. A package of the latest version of Windows software and a manual is included with the CIARA Astro PW64-Q2.
  • Page 36: Declaration Of Conformity

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 2.2 Declaration of conformity We, Manufacturer/Importer CIARA 9300 Trans-Canada Highway Montreal, Quebec H4S 1K5 Tel : (514) 798-8880 Fax : (514) 798-8889 Declare that the product Micro PC System CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 is in conformity with ICES-003 and Part 15 subpart B of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 37: Fcc Information To User

    Warning Changes or modifications not expressly approved by CIARA could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This equipment is equipped with a shielded 3-wire power cord and plug. Use this power cord in conjunction with a properly grounded electrical outlet to avoid electrical shock and to reduce radio frequency interference that may emanate from the power cord.
  • Page 38: Energy Star

    The CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PCs deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency. • If the CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PCs cost more than a conventional, less-efficient computer, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through utility bill savings, within a reasonable period of time. •...
  • Page 39: One Year Limited Warranty

    Astro PW64-Q2 series micro PCs. The warranty terms are normally Return-to-Depot. This one-year limited warranty starts on the "Date of Delivery". The warranty covers any optional product(s) manufactured and sold by CIARA and installed by CIARA in an Astro PW64-Q2 series system unit.
  • Page 40: Procedures To Be Followed For Service During The Warranty Period

    Make a back-up copy of all of the files on your hard disk before returning your computer for service. CIARA is not responsible for the loss or damage of any data on the returned system. In some cases, hard disks may need to reformatted or replaced. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure data is backed up prior to shipment to CIARA.
  • Page 41: Limited Warranty

    User’s Guide which accompanies the Product or other misuse, abuse or negligence to the Product ; (ii) by the use of parts not manufactured or sold by CIARA ; (iii) by modification of the Product ; (iv) as a result of service by anyone other than CIARA or an Authorized CIARA Service Provider ;...
  • Page 42: Documenting Your Computer

    Please keep your equipment log up to date and include a copy of it whenever your equipment is returned to CIARA for servicing. The equipment log is also helpful if your CIARA computer is lost, stolen, or damaged. It can serve as your record of when the equipment was placed in service, and the dates of all equipment upgrades and configuration changes.
  • Page 43: Technical Product Specification Ciara Astro Pw64-Q2

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 can be configured for a wide range of special purpose, business, industrial and scientific applications. The information provided in this guide is all that you should need to set up and use your CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC. We offer Technical Reference Manuals for sale to knowledgeable users.
  • Page 44 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Processor : generation Intel® Core™ Ultra 9, Core™ Ultra 7 or Core™ Ultra 5 (Series 2) type T processor, Intel® socket LGA1851 Motherboard : Asus® PRO Q870I-C Chipset : Intel® Q870 BIOS : Asus Flash BIOS standard, with ACPI, APM, ENERGY STAR®, DMI, Plug & Play and SMBIOS features.
  • Page 45: Upgrading

    4.1 Upgrading As the purchaser of a powerful state of the art CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC you have no doubt decided on the features and upgrade capabilities that you might wish to add to your computer. There are many exciting possibilities for upgrading your CIARA Astro PW64-Q2.
  • Page 46: Networking

    The purpose of this section is to describe the procedures to set up the BIOS configuration options of your CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC. All this work is done for you at the CIARA factory enabling the system to be ready to start on Power on. However, we are describing this procedure as a means of transparency.
  • Page 47: Bios Set-Up Program Function Keys

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.3.2 BIOS set-up program function keys BIOS Set-up Program Function Key Description 4.3.3 Legacy USB support Legacy USB support enables USB devices to be used even when the operating system’s USB drivers are not yet available. Legacy USB support is used to access the BIOS Setup program, and to install an operating system that supports USB.
  • Page 48: Bios Updates

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.3.4 BIOS updates The BIOS can be updated using either of the following utilities : • The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in a 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: Adjusting Boot Speed

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.3.7.3 Booting without attached devices For use in embedded applications, the BIOS has been designed so that after passing the POST, the operating system loader is invoked even if the following devices are not present: • Video adapter •...
  • Page 50: Bios Security Features

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.3.9 BIOS security features 4.3.9.1 NIST compliance The PRO Q870I-C motherboard has a secure UEFI which is NIST SP 800‐147 compliant. 4.3.9.2 Verifying BIOS integrity and authenticity of BIOS updates Asus enterprise motherboards support secure BIOS updates using digital signatures and validation mechanisms. This can include using Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) or other security mechanisms like the Intel Platform Trust Technology (PTT).
  • Page 51 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.3.9.7 BIOS security passwords The BIOS includes security features that restrict access to the BIOS Setup program and who can boot the computer. A supervisor password and a user password can be set for the BIOS Setup program and for booting the computer, with the following restrictions : •...
  • Page 52: Motherboard Configuration And Layout

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.4 Motherboard configuration and layout Figure 4.4 Major board components - 52 -...
  • Page 53: Back Panel Connectors

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.4.1 Back panel connectors Description PS/2 keyboard port (purple) PS/2 mouse port (green) 2 USB 2.0 ports 2 DisplayPorts HDMI™ port LAN (RJ-45) port (1 Gb/s) USB 10 Gb/s port Type-C® USB 5 Gb/s port Type A...
  • Page 54: Disk Drives

    Many Serial ATA drives use new low-voltage power connectors and require adapters or power supplies equipped with low-voltage power connectors. 4.6.2 M.2 slots CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 system is equipped with one M.2 slot, M key, PCIe type 2242/2260/2280 to accommodate NVMe SSD drive and one M.2 slot, E key to accommodate a Wi-Fi controller. 4.7 Graphics subsystem 4.7.1 Integrated graphics...
  • Page 55: Audio Subsystem

    4.9 I/O Port set-up Each CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 micro PC system includes built-in multi-I/O capabilities. These provide your computer with one USB 10 Gb/s type C port, one USB 5 Gb/s type A port, one earphone jack at front panel and two USB 10 Gb/s type A ports, one USB 10 Gb/s type C port, one USB 5 Gb/s type A port, two USB 2.0 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 and 1 HDMI 2.0 port, one RJ45 port, one...
  • Page 56: Lan Connector Leds

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.10.3 RJ-45 LAN connector LEDs wo LEDs are built into the RJ-45 LAN connector located on the back panel (see Figure). These LEDs indicate the status of the LAN. Tables describe the LED states when the board is powered up and the LAN subsystem is operating.
  • Page 57: Intel® Active Management Technology

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.11.1 Intel® Active Management Technology ® ® When used with third-party management and security applications, Intel Active Management Technology (Intel AMT) allows business owners and IT organizations to better discover, heal, and protect their networked computing assets.
  • Page 58: Intel® Identity Protection Technology

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.11.5 Intel® Identity Protection Technology ® ® Intel Identity Protection Technology (Intel IPT) provides a simple way for websites and enterprises to validate that a user is logging ® in from a trusted computer. This is accomplished by using the Intel...
  • Page 59: Replacing The System Battery

    In all CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 models the battery is a custom 3 V Lithium battery model CR-2032U made by Asus that can be installed only by CIARA. This type of battery should last at least 3 years, if the system is not in use. When the computer is plugged in, the standby current from the power supply extends the life of the battery.
  • Page 60: Configuration Jumper Block

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 4.16 Configuration jumper block NOTE Always turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the computer before shorting the two pins. Shorting the pins with the power on may result in unreliable computer operation. 4.16.1 Setting the BIOS configuration jumper Figure shows the location of the Desktop Board’s BIOS configuration header.
  • Page 61: Installing An Upgrade Flash Bios

    Before any new BIOS is programmed into the system, be very careful to ensure that the BIOS is intended for use with your specific system board. If not, you may completely disable your system, and require CIARA service assistance to restore the system to working order.
  • Page 62: Glossary

    CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 GLOSSARY 32-Bit -- In computer architecture, 32-bit integers, memory addresses, or other data units are those that are at most 32 bits (4 octets) wide. Also, 32-bit CPU and ALU architectures are those that are based on registers, address buses, or data buses of that size. 32-bit is also a term given to a generation of computers in which 32-bit processors were the norm.
  • Page 63 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Clock -- A circuit that sends a consistent, periodic signal that is used to step logic information through a computer circuit. CMOS RAM -- Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. CMOS RAM stores basic configuration information about your computer.
  • Page 64 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Jumper -- On a printed circuit board, a patch connector, wire, or cable used to establish a circuit. LCD -- A liquid crystal display (LCD) is a thin, flat electronic visual display that uses the light modulating properties of liquid crystals (LCs).
  • Page 65 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 Resolution -- A measure of the quality of the image that can be shown on a particular display ; usually expressed as the number of pixels that can be displayed horizontally across the display screen by the number of pixels that can be displayed vertically on the display screen.
  • Page 66 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 NOTES : - 66 -...
  • Page 67 CIARA Astro PW64-Q2 - 67 -...

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