Motherboard P5QL/EPU
E4277 First Edition V1 December 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii P5QL/EPU specifications summary........................................................... ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!..........................
Contents 1.10.1 1.11 1.10.2 Rear panel connectors................................................... 1-19 Internal connectors........................................................ 1-20 Software support......................................................................... 1-27 1.11.1 1.11.2 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-27 Support DVD information............................................... 1-27 Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.
Contents 2.6 2.5.5 PCI PnP......................................................................... 2-17 2.6.1 Suspend Mode............................................................... 2-18 2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support........................................................ 2-18 Power menu................................................................................. 2-18 2.6.2 2.6.4 2.7 2.6.5 Hardware Monitor.......................................................... 2-19 2.7.
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.
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.
Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites 2. 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. These documents are not part of the standard package.
P5QL/EPU specifications summary CPU LGA775 Socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme /Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Dual-Core / Celeron® Dual-Core / Celeron® processors Supports Intel® 45nm multi-core CPU Chipset Intel® P43 / ICH10 with Intel® Fast Memory Access Technology System bus 1600(O.C.)/1333/1066/800 MHz Memory Dual-channel memory architecture - 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz memory modules - Supports up to 16GB system memory * Refer to www.asus.
P5QL/EPU specifications summary ASUS exclusive overclocking features Precision Tweaker: - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 50mv increment - vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): - FSB tuning from 133MHz to 600MHz at 1MHz increment - Memory tuning from 667MHz to 1333MHz for DDR2 - PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 160MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection: - ASUS C.P.R.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5QL/EPU 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.
Intel® P43 Chipset The Intel® P43 Express Chipset is designed to support dual-channel DDR2 1066/800/667MHz architecture, 1333/1066/800MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), PCIe 2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It supports the Intel® Fast Memory Access technology that significantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses. PCIe 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
ASUS EPU The ASUS unique power saving technology. System power saving by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time. Smart power saving without interrupting your work. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings. ASUS O.C. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 20.3cm(8.0in) PWR_FAN CPU_FAN KBMS LAN1_USB12 Intel® P43 AUDIO 30.5cm(12.
1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) Page 1-25 1-11 2. DDR2 DIMM slots 3. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1-3; 3-pin PWR_FAN) 1-22 Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-24 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. P5QL/EPU P5QL/EPU CPU socket 775 Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab. To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. Retention tab A B Load lever 3. 4.
5. Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom‑left corner of the socket then fit the socket alignment key into the CPU notch. CPU notch Gold triangle mark Alignment key 6. Apply several drops of 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 preapplied thermal paste. If so, skip this step. DO NOT eat the Thermal Interface Material.
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®‑certified multi‑directional heatsink and fan. • Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires no tool to install.
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan 1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. 2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in 4. 1.7 A B B A A B B A Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. System memory 1.7.1 Overview DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations Sockets Mode Single-Channel DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 - - Populated - Populated - - - Dual-channel (1) Populated - Populated - Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated • When using only one DDR2 DIMM, start installing it from DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.
P5QL/EPU Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability DIMM support Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
DDR2-800MHz capability 1-14 Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
DDR2-667MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.9 1. Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. 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.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 14 1. 13 3 12 11 10 4 5 6 7 9 8 PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Gigabit LAN controller, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Headset. 2-channel Port Light Blue 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel 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 – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) P5QL/EPU SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. +5V 2. SPDIF_OUT P5QL/EPU Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. USB78 USB910 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND NC USB1112 USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 6.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR 8.
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin EATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED- PLED+ PLED SPEAKER +5V Ground Ground Speaker 11. PANEL IDE_LED PWRSW Reset Ground P5QL/EPU PWR Ground IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PIN 1 RESET * Requires an ATX power supply P5QL/EPU System panel connector • • • • • 1-26 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.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this section for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
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Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment. 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk. 3. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk. 4.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. 4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download then click Next. 5.
2. d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box. e. Click Start. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS‑based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing + during the PowerOn Self Tests (POST).
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: • Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file.
5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive. A:\>afudos /iP5QLEPU.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ....... done Reading flash ...... done Advance Check ...... Erasing flash ...... done Writing flash ...... done Verifying flash ....
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD To recover the BIOS from the support DVD: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD for the BIOS file. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA Configuration fields 1 2 3 4 5 6 General help Tools [14:14:35] [Wed 04/16/2008] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Exit Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA 1 2 3 4 5 6 [14:14:35] [Wed 04/16/2008] [1.44M, 3.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
Bios Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure system performance settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Take caution when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
FSB / CPU External Frequency Synchronization Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency FSB 1600 400 MHz FSB 1333 333 MHz FSB 1066 266 MHz FSB 800 200 MHz PCIE Frequency [Auto] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also type the desired PCIE frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 160. The follow items appear only when you set the [Ai Overclock Tuner] item to [Overclock Profile].
2.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP 2.5.1 Exit Configure CPU.
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology. Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® Pentium® 4 or later CPU that supports the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology (EIST). Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology.
RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and the read/write command. Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [2 DRAM Clocks] [3 DRAM Clocks] ~ [15 DRAM Clocks].
Parallel Port Mode [ECP] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [Bi-Directional] [EPP] [ECP] ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3] Appears only when the Parallel Port Mode is set to [ECP]. This item allows you to set the Parallel Port ECP DMA. Configuration options: [DMA0] [DMA1] [DMA3] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Allows you to select parallel port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] 2.5.
2.6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Tools Exit Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] 2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] 2.6.
2.6.4 APM Configuration Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to [Power On], the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to [Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.7.1 Tools Exit Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
2.7.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press . 2.
Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu.
2.8.3 AI NET 2 Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8.4 ASUS O.C. Profile Save to Profle 1/2 Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. Press to save the file. Load from Profile 1/2 Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press to load the file. Start O.C.
Exit & Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting. Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
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