Motherboard P8B-X
E6811 Second Edition V2 July 2011 Copyright © 2011 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 Contents....................................................................................................... iii Notices......................................................................................................... vii Federal Communications Commission Statement............................ vii Canadian Department of Communications Statement...................... vii REACH ...........................................................................................
Contents 2.4 2.3.4 Installing the CPU heatsink in rack................................ 2-15 2.4.1 Overview........................................................................ 2-16 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM........................................................... 2-17 System memory.......................................................................... 2-16 2.4.2 2.5 2.4.4 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card.......................................... 2-18 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments..........
Contents 4.2.4 Submenu items................................................................ 4-9 4.2.6 General help.................................................................... 4-9 4.2.5 4.2.7 4.2.8 4.3 4.2.9 4.5 4.3.3 Security.......................................................................... 4-10 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-14 4.5.1 ACPI Settings................................................................. 4-14 4.5.
Contents 5.1.4 RAID configuration utilities............................................... 5-4 5.2.1 Creating a RAID set......................................................... 5-6 5.2.3 Deleting a RAID set......................................................... 5-9 5.2 Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM Utilitys.............. 5-5 ® 5.2.2 5.2.4 5.2.5 5.2.6 5.2.7 5.2.8 Chapter 6: Creating a Recovery set.................................................. 5-7 Resetting disks to Non-RAID......
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.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This user guide contains the following parts: • • • • • • • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technologies it supports. Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.
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.
P8B-X specifications summary Processor Support / System Bus Core Logic Form Factor ASUS Features Fan Speed Control Rack Ready (Rack and Pedestal dual use) ASWM 2.
P8B-X specifications summary Rear I/O Connectors Monitoring Environment External Serial Port External USB Port VGA Port RJ-45 PS/2 KB/Mouse CPU Temperature FAN RPM 1 2 1 2 1 V V Operation temperature: 10°C – 35°C Non operation temperature: -40°C – 70°C Non operation humidity: 20% – 90% (Non condensing) *Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1 Chapter summary 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-3 1.3 Serial number label....................................................................... 1-4 1.2 1.4 Package contents.......................................................................... 1-3 Special features.............................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8B-X 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.
1.3 Serial number label Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take note of the motherboard's serial number containing 12 characters xxS2xxxxxxxx shown as the figure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems. P8B-X xxS2xxxxxxxx 1.4 Special features 1.4.
DDR3 memory support The P8B-X supports UDIMM DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1333/1066 MHZ to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of server and workstation applications. The 2-channel DDR3 architecture boosts system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidth of up to 21GB/s. Furthermore, the supply voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5V for DDR3.
Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring The CPU temperature is monitored to prevent overheating and damage. The system fan rotations per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely failure detection. The chip monitors the voltage levels to ensure stable supply of current for critical components. 1.4.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Fan Speed technology The ASUS Fan Speed technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.
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.
2 Chapter summary 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-3 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................. 2-10 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-5 System memory.......................................................................... 2-16 Expansion slots...........................................................................
2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. ASUS P8B-X • 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.
Onboard LEDs 1. 2-4 Standby Power LED (SB_PWR1) The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. To optimize the motherboard features, we highly recommend that you install it in an ATX 1.1 compliant chassis. Ensure to unplug the chassis power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components! 2.2.
2.2.3 Motherboard layout P8B-X/ R1.
P8B-X/ R2.
2.2.4 Layout contents Slots/Soocket Page 1. CPU sockets 2-10 2. DDR3 sockets 2-16 3. PCI Express x16 / PCI Express x8 / PCI Express x1 / PCI slots 2-20 Jumpers Page 1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1) 2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1) 3. CPU Fan and Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CPUFAN_SEL1, CHAFAN_SEL1) 2-22 2-23 2-24 4. LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2) 5. 2-8 Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1) 2-24 2-25 Rear panel connectors Page 1.
Internal connectors Page 1. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6) 2-27 2. Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1) 3. USB connector (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; A-Type USB7) 2-28 4. Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1) 5. CPU, front and rear fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3, REAR_FAN1) 6. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1) 7. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM2) 8.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® Xeon E3-1200/Core™ i3-2100 processor. 2.3.1 • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted. Load plate 4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket by lifting the tab only. PnP cap Cap tab 5. Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom‑left corner of the socket, and then fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
6. 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 preapplied thermal paste. If so, skip this step. The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin, wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help. 7.
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel LGA1155 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® LGA1155 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires no tool to install.
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1. DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. 2. 3. 4. 2-14 A Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.
2.3.4 Installing the CPU heatsink in rack The Intel 1155 processor requires a specially designed heatsink to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. ® • • Ensure that you use qualified heatsink assembly only. Ensure that you have applied the thermal interface material to the top of the CPU before installing the heatsink and fan. 1. Peel off the sticker on the heatsink metal plate and affix the plate to the back of the motherboard, matching the standoffs to the heatsink screw holes. 2.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: 2.4.
2.4.3 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. 1. 2. DIMM notch Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket. 1 2 1 DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
2.5.
2.5.4 PCI Express x8 slot (x4 link) The onboard PCI Express x8 slot provides one x4 link to C202. This slot supports various server class high performance add-on cards. 2.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) The onboard PCI Express x16 slot provides x16 link to CPU. This slot supports VGA cards and various server class high performance add-on cards. 2.5.6 PCI Express x1 slots (x1 link) The onboard PCI Express x1 slots provide x1 link to C202.
2.5.8 Connecting the thermal sensor cable Follow the steps below to connect the thermal sensor cable to the connector on your motherboard. 1. Locate the TR1 connector on the motherboard. 2. Connect the thermal sensor cable to the connector. 3. Place the other end of the thermal sensor cable to the device you would like to monitor temperature. The photos above are for reference only. Follow the main layout in previous section to locate the TR1 connector on your motherboard.
2.6 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1) 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. 2. 3. 4. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. Move the jumper cap from pins 1–2 (default) to pins 2–3.
2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard VGA controller. Set to pins 1–2 to activate the VGA feature. R1.0x R2.
3. CPU Fan and Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CPUFAN_SEL1, CHAFAN_SEL1) These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection. The CPUFAN_SEL1 jumper is for the CPU fan control and the CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper is for the front fans and rear fans control. Set to pins 1–2 when using 4-pin fans or pins 2–3 when using 3-pin fans. 4. 2-24 • If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 2-3, the fan you installed may not work.
5. Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1) (R1.0x only) This jumper allows you to quickly update or recover the BIOS settings when it becomes corrupted. To update the BIOS (for R1.0x): 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Prepare a USB flash disk that contains the original or latest BIOS for the motherboard (XXXXXX.ROM) and the BUPDATER.EXE utility. Set the jumper to pins 2–3. Insert the USB flash and turn on the system to update the BIOS. Shut down the system. Set the jumper back to pins 1–2. Turn on the system.
2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 3. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 4. Serial (COM1) port. This 9-pin communication port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. Video Graphics Adapter port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGAcompatible devices. 2. 5. 6. 7. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
2.7.2 1. Internal connectors Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6) Supported by the Intel® C202 chipset, these connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives that allows up to 3Gb/s of data transfer rate. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, or RAID 5 configuration. The actual data transfer rate depends on the speed of Serial ATA hard disks installed.
2. 3. 2-28 Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1) This LED connector is for the storage add-on card cable connected to the SATA or SAS add-on card. The read or write activities of any device connected to the SATA or SAS add-on card causes the front panel LED to light up. USB connector (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; A-Type USB7) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports.
4. 5. Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1) This connector is for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor cable to this connector and place the other end to the device, which you want to monitor temperature. Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT1) This connector is for a parallel port. Connect the parallel port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
6. CPU, front and rear fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3, REAR_FAN1) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA–740 mA (8.88 W max.) or a total of 3.15 A–6.66 A (53.28 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. 2-30 • DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
7. 8. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1) This connector is used for the SGPIO peripherals for the Intel Rapid Storage Technology RAID SATA LED. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM2) This connector is for the serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to one of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
9. 2-32 TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity.
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1, 8-pin EATX12V1) These connectors are for an 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. ASUS P8B-X • DO NOT forget to connect the 24+8-pin power plugs; otherwise, the system will not boot up. • Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices.
11. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 2-34 System power LED (3-pin PLED) This 3-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. Message LED (2-pin MLED) This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to the front message LED.
12. Auxiliary panel connector (20-pin AUX_PANEL1) This connector is for additional front panel features including front panel SMB, locator LED and switch, chassis intrusion, and LAN LEDs. 1. Front panel SMB (6-1 pin FPSMB) These leads connect the front panel SMBus cable. 2. LAN activity LED (2-pin LAN1_LED, LAN2_LED) These leads are for Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel. 3.
2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter describes the power up sequence, and ways of shutting down the system.
3 Chapter summary 3.1 3.2 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-3 Powering off the computer...........................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor c. System power b. 6.
3.2 Powering off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® 2008 Server: 1. Click the Start button, move the cursor to the triangle on the right of Log off, and then click Shut Down. 2. From the Shutdown Event Tracker, select the option that best describes why you want to shut down the computer. 3. Ensure that the Planned check box is checked. 4. If necessary, key in comments. 5. Click OK. 3.2.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
4 Chapter summary 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-3 4.3 Main menu................................................................................... 4-10 4.2 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 BIOS setup program..................................................................... 4-7 Event Logs menu........................................................................ 4-12 Advanced menu..........................................................................
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup: 1. 2. 3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (To recover the BIOS using a bootable USB flash disk drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a USB flash disk.) BUPDATER utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable USB flash disk drive.) Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash Utility The ASUS EZ Flash Utility feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a DOS‑based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash Utility 1. 2. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press to enable it.
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Press and select Yes to load the BIOS default settings. 4.1.3 BUPDATER utility The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be the same as shown.
The utility verifies the file, then starts updating the BIOS file. ASUSTek BIOS Update for DOS V1.06 (09/08/04) FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A Current ROM BOARD: P8B-X VER: 0201 DATE: 12/01/2010 Update ROM BOARD: P8B-X VER: 0202 DATE: 12/09/2010 PATH: WARNING! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Note Writing BIOS: DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed.
4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 4.1 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. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Configuration fields General help Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit BIOS Information BIOS Version Build Date 0305 x64 01/05/2011 Set the Date, Use Tab to switch between Data elements. CPU Information Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E31230 @ 3.
4.2.3 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 (Event Logs, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 4.2.4 Submenu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press . 4.2.
4.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears. 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. Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit BIOS Information BIOS Version Build Date 0305 x64 01/05/2011 Set the Date, Use Tab to switch between Data elements.
Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected fields in the BIOS setup program. To set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator Password item and press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . To change an administrator password: 1. 2. 3. 4.
4.4 Event Logs menu The Event Logs menu items allow you to change the event log settings and view the system event logs. Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit Change Smbios Event Log Settings View Smbios Event Log Press to change the Smbios Event Log configuration. Change Smbios Event Log Settings Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.
Log OEM Codes [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the logging of EFI status codes as OEM codes. Configuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled] Convert OEM Codes [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the converting of EFI status codes to standard Smbios types. Configuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled] View Smbios Event Log Press to view the Smbios event logs.
4.5 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 Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.
4.5.2 Trusted Computing Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced TPM Configuration TPM SUPPORT [Disabled] Current TPM Status Information NO TPM Hardware Enables or Disables TPM support. O.S. will not show TPM. Reset of platform is required. TPM SUPPORT [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the TPM support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.5.3 WHEA Configuration Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc.
4.5.4 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Some items may not appear if your CPU does not support the related functions. Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Includes TM1, TM2 and EMTTM CPU Configuration Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E31230 @ 3.
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled] Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Execute Disable Bit [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).
4.5.5 North Bridge The North Bridge is built in the CPU. Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Low MMIO resources align at 64MB/1024MB Memory Information TOTAL Memory 1024 MB DIMM_A0 DIMM_A1 DIMM_B0 DIMM_B1 Low MMIO Align DMI Gen2 VT-d Initate Graphic Adapter 0 MB (DDR3 1024 MB (DDR3 0 MB (DDR3 0 MB (DDR3 [64M] [Enabled] [Disabled] [PEG/PCI] 1333) 1333) 1333) 1333) Low MMIO Align [64M] Allows you to select the options for the Low MMIO Align.
4.5.7 SATA Configuration While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port. Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced SATA Configuration SATA Mode Serial-ATA Controller 0 Serial-ATA Controller 1 S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [IDE Mode] [Enhanced] [Enhanced] [Enabled] SATA Port1 ST3160812AS (160.0GB) SATA Port2 ST3160812AS (160.
4.5.8 Intel TXT(LT) Configuration Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Intel Trusted Execution Technology Configuration Intel TXT support only can be enabled/disabled if SMX is enabled. VT and VT-d support must also be enabled prior to TXT. Secure Mode Extensions (SMX) Enabled Intel TXT(LT) Support [Disabled] Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO option disables legacy support if no USB devices are connected.
USB transfer time-out [20 sec] Allows you to select the USB transfer time-out value. Configuration options: [1 sec] [5 sec] [10 sec] [20 sec] Device reset time-out [20 sec] Allows you to select the USB device reset time-out value. Configuration options: [10 sec] [20 sec] [30 sec] [40 sec] Device power-up delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] Device power-up delay in seconds [XX] This item appears only when you set the Device power-up delay item to [manual].
Serial Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM). Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Change Settings [Auto] Allows you to select the serial port base address.
4.5.11 APM Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Restrore AC EuP Ready Power On By Power On By Power On By Power On By Power Loss PCI PCIE Ring RTC [Power Off] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] Specify what state to go to when power is re-applied after a power failure (G3 state). Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
4.5.12 Serial Port Console Redirection Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled] COM1 Console Redirection Console Redirection Settings [Enabled] COM2 Console Redirection Console Redirection Settings [Disabled] Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled] Enables or disables the redirection after BIOS POST feature.
Stop Bits [1] Stop bits indicate the end of a serial data packet. (A start bit indicates the beginning.) The standard setting is 1 stop bit. Communication with slow devices may require more than 1 stop bit. Configuration options: [1] [2] Flow Control [Hardware RTS/CTS] Flow control can prevent data loss from buffer overflow. When sending data, if the receiving buffers are full, a stop signal can be sent to stop the data flow. Once the buffers are empty, a start signal can be sent to re-start the flow.
4.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit CPU Temperature(PECI) MB Temperature TR1 Temperature CPU FAN1 Speed FRNT FAN1 Speed FRNT FAN2 Speed FRNT FAN3 Speed REAR FAN1 Speed FAN Speed Control VCORE1 +3.3V +5V +12V VBAT +3VSB +1.
4.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit Setup Prompt Timeout Bootup NumLock State Full Screen Logo Option ROM Messages Interrupt 19 Capture EFI Boot Boot Device Seeking 3 [On] [Enabled] [Force BIOS] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Endless PXE] Boot Option Priorities Boot Option #1 [IBA GE Slot 0200 v...] Number of seconds to wait for setup activation key.
Boot Device Seeking [Endless PXE] [Endless PXE] Continuous seek remote boot image until boot image found or user abort (press Ctrl+Alt+Del). [Normal] Seek remote boot image once then stop. Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. • To select the boot device during system startup, press when ASUS Logo appears.
4.8 Tool menu The Tool menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. Main Aptio Setup Utility - Copyright (C) 2010 American Megatrends, Inc. Event Logs Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Exit ASUS EZ Flash Utility Be used to update BIOS ASUS EZ Flash Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press . Check section 4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility for details. 4.
4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and configuring RAID sets using the available utilities.
5 Chapter summary 5.1 5.2 Setting up RAID............................................................................. 5-3 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM Utility................
5.1 Setting up RAID The motherboard comes with the Intel® C202 controller that supports the following SATA RAID solutions: • Intel Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5 support (for Windows OS only). 5.1.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
5.1.2 Installing hard disk drives The motherboard supports Serial ATA for RAID set configuration. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. To install the SATA hard disks for RAID configuration: 1. 2. 3. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays following the instructions in the system user guide. Connect a SATA signal cable to the signal connector at the back of each drive and to the SATA connector on the motherboard.
5.2 Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM Utilitys The Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 1+0), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial ATA hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge. To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology option ROM utility: 1. Install all the Serial ATA hard disk drives. 3. During POST, press to display the utility main menu. 2. Turn on the system.
5.2.1 Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 10.1.0.1008 Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE VOLUME MENU ] Name: RAID Level: Disks: Strip Size: Capacity: Sync: Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) Select Disks 128KB 0.
6. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only), and then press . The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The following are typical values: RAID 0: 128KB RAID 10: 64KB RAID 5: 64KB We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing. 7. 8.
2. 3. 4. Enter a name for the recovery set and press . When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow keys to select Recovery, and then press . When the Disks item is selected, press to select the hard disk drives you want to include in the recovery set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears. [ SELECT DISKS ] Port 0 1 2 3 Drive Model ST3160812AS ST3160812AS ST3160812AS ST3160812AS Serial # 9LS0HJA4 9LS0F4HL 3LS0JYL8 9LS0BJ5H Size 149.0GB 149.0GB 149.0GB 149.
5.2.3 Deleting a RAID set Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set. To delete a RAID set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press . The following screen appears. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 10.1.0.1008 Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ DELETE VOLUME MENU ] Name Volume0 Level RAID0(Stripe) Drives 2 Capacity 298.
5.2.4 Resetting disks to Non-RAID Take caution before you reset a RAID volume hard disk drive to non-RAID. Resetting a RAID volume hard disk drive deletes all internal RAID structure on the drive. To reset a RAID set hard disk drive: 1. From the utility main menu, select 3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press . The following screen appears. [ RESET RAID DATA ] Resetting RAID disk will remove its RAID structures and revert it to a non-RAID disk.
5.2.5 Recovery Volume Options If you have created a recovery set, you can configure more recovery set options following the descriptions in the section. See section 5.3.2 Creating a Recovery set to create a recovery set before continue. To configure a recovery set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 4. Recovery Volume Options and press . The following screen appears. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 10.1.0.1008 Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
5.2.6 Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology utility To exit the utility: 1. From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press . The following warning message appears. [ CONFIRM EXIT ] Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N): 2. Press to exit or press to return to the utility main menu. 5.2.7 Rebuilding the RAID This option is only for the RAID 1 set.
3. The utility immediately starts rebuilding after the disk is selected. The status of the degraded RAID volume is changed to “Rebuild”. Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - 10.1.0.1008 Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ MAIN MENU ] 1. Create RAID Volume 2. Delete RAID Volume 3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID 4. Recovery Volume Options 5.
5.2.8 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility You can set the boot priority sequence in the BIOS for your RAID arrays when creating multi-RAID using the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology. To set the boot array in the BIOS: Set at least one of the arrays bootable to boot from the hard disk. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5-14 Reboot the system and press to enter the BIOS setup utility during POST. Go to the Boot menu and select the boot option priority.
This chapter provides the instructions for installing the necessary drivers for different system components.
6 Chapter summary 6.1 RAID driver installation................................................................ 6-3 6.3 LAN driver installation................................................................ 6-11 6.2 6.4 6.5 Intel chipset device software installation................................... 6-9 VGA driver installation............................................................... 6-14 Management application and utilities installation...................
6.1 RAID driver installation After creating the RAID sets for your server system, you are now ready to install an operating system to the independent hard disk drive or bootable array. This part provides the instructions on how to install the RAID controller drivers during OS installation. 6.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk The system does not include a floppy drive. You have to use a USB floppy drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.
5. Use the arrow keys to select the type of RAID driver disk you want to create and press to enter the sub-menu. C20x INTEL RAID Driver C20x INTEL RAID Driver Windows 32 bit(also support AHCI) Windows 64 bit(also support AHCI) Back Exit 6. 7. 8. 6-4 Locate the RAID driver and place a blank, high-density floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. Press . Follow screen instructions to create the driver disk.
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows® environment 1. 2. Start Windows®. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the support DVD. 3. 4. 5. Go to the Make disk menu, and then select the type of RAID driver disk you want to create. Insert a floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive.
6.1.2 Installing the RAID controller driver Windows® Server OS During Windows® Server OS installation To install the RAID controller driver when installing Windows® Server OS: 1. Boot the computer using the Windows® Server installation DVD. The Windows® Server OS Setup starts. Windows Setup Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver... 2. 3. Press when the message “Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver...” appears at the bottom of the screen.
4. Insert the RAID driver disk you created earlier to the USB floppy disk drive, then press . Windows Setup Please insert the disk labeled Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk into Drive A: * ENTER=Continue 5. 6. 7. ESC=Cancel Press ENTER when ready. F3=Exit Select the RAID controller driver you need from the list, then press . The Windows® Setup loads the RAID controller drivers from the RAID driver disk. When prompted, press to continue installation.
To verify the RAID controller driver installation: 1. 2. 3. Right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows® desktop, and then select Properties from the menu. Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button. Click the “+” sign before the item SCSI and RAID controllers, and then the Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID Controller item should appear. The screen differs based on the controller. 4. 5. 6.
6.2 Intel® chipset device software installation This section provides the instructions on how to install the Intel® chipset device software on the system. You need to manually install the Intel® chipset device software on a Windows operating system. To install the Intel® chipset device software: 1. 2. Restart the computer, and then log on with Administrator privileges. Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive.
6-10 5. Select Yes to accept the terms of the License Agreement and continue the process. 6. Read the Readme File Information and press Next to continue the installation. 7. After completing the installation, click Finish to complete the setup process.
6.3 LAN driver installation This section provides the instructions on how to install the Intel® Gigabit LAN controller drivers on the system. You need to manually install the LAN controller driver on a Windows® operating system. To install the LAN controller drivers: 1. 2. 3. Restart the computer, and then log on with Administrator privileges. Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive. The support DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
6-12 4. Click Next when the Intel(R) Network Connections–InstallShield Wizard window appears. 5. Toggle I accept the terms in the license agreement and click Next to continue. 6. Click the Intel(R) PROSet for Windows Device Manager box, and then click Next to start the installation.
7. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation. 8. When finished, press Finish to continue.
6.4 VGA driver installation 6.4.1 XGI Volari Z9s VGA Driver (R1.0x) This section provides the instructions on how to install the Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) driver for XGI Volari Z9s. You need to manually install the XGI Volari Z9s VGA driver on a Windows® operating system. To install theXGI Volari Z9s VGA driver: 1. 2. Restart the computer, and then log on with Administrator privileges. Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive.
5. Click Next to start the installation. 6. The system will update the VGA driver. 7. When the installation completes, click Finish to restart your computer before using the program.
6.4.2 ASPEED AST1100 VGA Driver (R2.0x) This section provides the instructions on how to install the Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) driver for ASPEED AST1100. You need to manually install the ASPEED AST1100 VGA driver on a Windows® operating system. To install theASPEED AST1100 VGA driver: 1. 2. Restart the computer, and then log on with Administrator privileges. Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive.
5. To allow the system to update the VGA driver, follow the steps shown in the next few windows, and click Next when finished. a. Accept the terms in the license agreement. b. Fill in User Name and Organization. (optional) 6. 7. c. Select a setup type. Click Install to begin the installation. When the installation completes, click Finish and select Yes to restart your computer for the configuration changes to take effect.
6.5 Management applications and utilities installation The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, management applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features. The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates. 6.5.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive.
6.5.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu displays the software applications and utilities that the motherboard supports. Click an item to install. 6.5.4 Make disk menu The Make disk menu contains items to create the Intel RAID driver disks. 6.5.5 Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
6-20 Chapter 6: Driver installation
This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when configuring the motherboard.
Appendix summary A A.1 P8B-X block diagram (R1.0x).......................................................A-3 A.2 P8B-X block diagram (R2.0x).......................................................
A.1 ASUS P8B-X P8B-X block diagram (R1.
A.2 A-4 P8B-X block diagram (R2.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Taiwan) Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online Support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw http://www.asus.com.tw +886-2-2894-3447 (0800-093-456) http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (China) Address Telephone Fax Web site Technical Support Telephone Online Support No.
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Date : Signature : Representative Person’s Name : Jan. 17, 2011 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
