Motherboard P8H61-I
E6347 First Edition (V1) January 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 Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii P8H61-I specifications summary................................................................ ix Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed............
Contents 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.3.1 System Language [English]............................................2-11 2.3.2 System Date...................................................................2-11 2.3.3 System Time...................................................................2-11 2.3.4 Security...........................................................................2-11 Ai Tweaker menu......................................................................... 2-13 2.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto].
Contents 2.8 2.9 2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]............................................ 2-24 2.7.3 Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]....................................... 2-25 2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]............................ 2-25 2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode].................................................. 2-25 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities..................................................... 2-25 2.7.7 Boot Override........................................................
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 electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure 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.
P8H61-I specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphics Storage LAN Audio USB LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 processors Supports 32nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0 * The Intel® Turbo Boost technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU tpyes. ** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
P8H61-I specifications summary Rear panel ports Internal connectors BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support DVD Form factor 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse port 1 x HDMI output port 1 x DVI-D output port 1 x D-Sub output port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue) 3 x Audio jacks 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connector support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 4 x SATA 3.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61-I motherboard! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your motherboard package. Refer to page x for the list of accessories. If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Motherboard layout Ensure that you install the motherboard into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. 1 2 3 4 5 6 SATA1 CPU_FAN CHA_FAN SATA2 Intel H61 ® HDMI LGA1155 LAN1_USB3_12 17.1cm(6.
1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® second generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 processors. Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU. • 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.
1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR3 U-DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the CPU.
P8H67-I Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage A-Data AD31333001GOU 1GB SS A-Data - - A-Data A-Data AD31333G001GOU AD31333002GOU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS 2GB DS A-Data 8-8-8-24 - 1.65-1.85V - • • • • A-Data Apacer Apacer CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR Crucial Crucial Crucial ELPIDA AD31333G002GMU 78.A1GC6.9L1 78.A1GC6.
Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO.
DDR3-1066 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage Crucial Crucial ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON Micron Micron CT12864BA1067.8FF CT25664BA1067.
1.5 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. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.6 Jumpers 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. P8H61-I CLRTC 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC P8H61-I Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
1.7 Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 10 11 3 9 8 4 5 6 7 1. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. 2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. 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, 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue (Rear panel) Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Lime (Rear panel) Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink (Rear panel) Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center Lime (Front panel) - - - Side Speaker Out To configure an 8-channel audio output: Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.
1.7.2 1. Internal connectors ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 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.
2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) 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. CHA FAN PWM CHASSIS FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND P8H61-I CPU_FAN CHA_FAN P8H61-I fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
4. Intel® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4 [blue]) GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.
5. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Reset Ground HD_LEDHD_LED+ PIN 1 RESET GND PWR PLEDPLED+ HD_LED PWR LED PWR BTN P8H61-I F_PANEL P8H61-I System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) • This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
6. USB 2.0 connector (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112) This connector is for a USB 2.0 port. Connect the USB module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. This USB connector complys with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. USB1112 USB910 P8H61-I PIN 1 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P11USB_P11+ GND USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC P8H61-I USB2.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / Vista / 7 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. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
1.8.3 ASUS @Vibe ASUS @Vibe is a one-stop entertainment platform that serves as a value-added service for all ASUS products. With the asus@vibe platform, you can access or download a wealth of exciting and engaging digital content such as music, videos, games, magazines, e-books, as well as tune into your favorite radio stations and stream live TV anytime and anywhere. • The ASUS @Vibe service contents differ for each territory. • This utility does not work on Windows® 64-bit XP OS.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file 3. a. Select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility.
3. Press to switch to the Drive field. 4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press . 5. Press to switch to the Folder Info field. 6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press to perform the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done. • This function supports USB flash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown. Before updating BIOS 1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and single partition. 2.
Backing up the current BIOS To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has at least 4096KB free space to save the file. 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press . D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom Filename Extension The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension. 2.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press . D:\>bupdater /pc /g 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.07 Current ROM BOARD: P8H61-I VER: 0306 DATE: 01/18/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ PH61I.ROM A: 4194304 2011-01-04 17:30:48 Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move 3.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
BIOS menu screen The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen. EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority.
Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.
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, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. Back button This button appears when entering a submenu. Press or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.
2.3 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Main Ai Tweaker Exit Advanced Monitor BIOS Information BIOS Version Build Date ME Version South Bridge Stepping 0306 x64 01/18/2011 7.0.1.
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 . 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. To change an administrator password: 1.
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Exit Advanced Monitor Target DRAM Speed: 1333MHz Ai Overclock Tuner Auto Memory Frequency iGPU Max.
2.4.2 Memory Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the memory operating frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz] Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting. 2.4.3 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto] 2.4.4 GPU Boost 2.4.5 DRAM Timing Control Allows you to set the maximum frequency for the internal GPU.
The following three items appear only when you set both the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology and Turbo Mode items to [Enabled]. Long Duration Power Limit [Auto] Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value. Long Duration Maintained [Auto] Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value. Short Duration Power Limit [Auto] Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value. Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto] Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value. Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto] Use <+>/<-> to adjust the value.
2.4.10 VCCIO Voltage [Auto] 2.4.11 VCCSA Voltage [Auto] 2.4.12 PCH Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the VCCIO voltage. The values range from 0.05V to 0.15V with a 0.05V interval. Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0V to 0.05V with a 0.05V interval Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.10V with a 0.05V interval.
2.5.1 Trusted Computing The items in this menu allow you to set the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) feature. The following items function only when a TPM module is installed in this motherboard. TPM Support [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the TPM support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST). [Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed. [Enabled] The operating system controls the CPU speed. Turbo Mode [Enabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Intel® Turbo Mode Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] CPU C1E [Auto] This item allows you to enable or disable the C1E support function.
2.5.5 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. SATA Mode [IDE Mode] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [Disabled] Disables the SATA function. [IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems (OS). Disables the function. EHCI Hand-off [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.7 Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off feature. Disables the function. Onboard Devices Configuration HD Audio Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller. Disables the controller.
2.5.8 APM Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] [Power Off] [Last State] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss. The system goes into off state after an AC power loss. The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss. Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard. Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.
2.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
2.6.3 [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
2.7.3 Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] 2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence. The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so. 2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] 2.7.
2.8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Exit Monitor Boot Tool Be used to update BIOS > ASUS EZ Flash Utility > ASUS SPD Information > ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen appears. For more details, refer to section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.
2.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Exit Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK Computer Inc. 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 www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.com ASUS Computer International (America) Address Telephone 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA +1-510-739-3777 Fax Web site +1-510-608-4555 usa.asus.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : Jan. 04, 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.