Asus P5Q-E Manual
Asus P5Q-E Manual
Asus P5Q-E Manual
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P5Q-E Series
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E4144
First Edition
August 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).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modifed or altered, unless
such repair, modifcation of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identifcation or explanation and to the
owners beneft, without intent to infringe.
iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices ....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide .......................................................................................... x
P5Q-E Series specifcations summary .................................................... xii
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 ASUS unique features .................................................... 1-3
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance
and overclocking features ............................................... 1-7
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4
2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-9
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-10
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11
2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11
2.4.2 Memory confgurations .................................................. 2-12
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-18
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-18
2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-19
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-19
2.5.2 Confguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-19
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-20
2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-21
iv
Contents
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-21
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots ............................................. 2-21
2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slot ..................................... 2-21
2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-23
2.7 Onboard switches ...................................................................... 2-25
2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-26
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-26
2.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-28
2.9 Starting up for the frst time ...................................................... 2-41
2.10 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-42
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-42
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-42
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4
3.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 3-5
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7
3.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 3-8
3.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 3-8
3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 3-8
3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-9
3.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................. 3-9
3.2.6 Confguration felds ......................................................... 3-9
3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-9
3.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 3-9
3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-9
3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10
3.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 3-10
3.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ....................................... 3-10
3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] ................................ 3-10
3.3.4 Language [English] ....................................................... 3-10
3.3.5 SATA 1-6 ........................................................................3-11
3.3.6 Storage Confguration ................................................... 3-12
3.3.7 AHCI Confguration ....................................................... 3-13
3.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 3-14
v
Contents
3.4 Ai Tweaker menu ........................................................................ 3-15
3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ............................................. 3-15
3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] .............................................. 3-16
3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto] .................................. 3-16
3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ............................................... 3-16
3.4.5 DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1/A2/B1/B2 [Auto] ...... 3-17
3.4.6 DRAM Timing Control [Auto] ......................................... 3-17
3.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto] ................................. 3-18
3.4.8 DRAM Read Training [Auto] .......................................... 3-19
3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger ........................................................ 3-19
3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto] .................................................. 3-19
3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster [Auto] ....................................... 3-19
3.4.12 CPU Voltage [Auto] ...................................................... 3-20
3.4.13 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto] ...................... 3-20
3.4.14 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto] ...................... 3-20
3.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto] ................................................ 3-20
3.4.16 FSB Termination Voltage [Auto] .................................... 3-20
3.4.17 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 3-20
3.4.18 NB Voltage [Auto] .......................................................... 3-20
3.4.19 NB GTL Voltage Reference [Auto] ................................ 3-21
3.4.20 SB Voltage [Auto] .......................................................... 3-21
3.4.21 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto] ............................................. 3-21
3.4.22 Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ......................................... 3-21
3.4.23 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ....................................... 3-21
3.4.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] ...................................... 3-22
3.4.25 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................ 3-22
3.4.26 NB Clock Skew [Auto] ................................................... 3-22
3.4.27 CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized] ........................ 3-22
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-23
3.5.1 TPM Confguration ........................................................ 3-23
3.5.2 CPU Confguration ........................................................ 3-24
3.5.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-26
3.5.4 Onboard Device Confguration ...................................... 3-27
3.5.5 USB Confguration ........................................................ 3-28
3.5.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-29
vi
Contents
3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-30
3.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 3-30
3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ................................ 3-30
3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ......................................... 3-30
3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ....................................... 3-30
3.6.5 APM Confguration ........................................................ 3-31
3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-32
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-34
3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-34
3.7.2 Boot Settings Confguration .......................................... 3-35
3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-36
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-38
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-38
3.8.2 Drive Xpert Control [Auto] ............................................. 3-39
3.8.3 Drive Xpert Mode Update [Last setting] ........................ 3-39
3.8.4 Express Gate ................................................................ 3-40
3.8.5 ASUS O.C. Profle ......................................................... 3-41
3.8.6 AI Net 2 ......................................................................... 3-42
3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-43
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2
4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3
4.2.4 Make disk menu .............................................................. 4-5
4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-6
4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6
4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-7
4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9
4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3 ........................................................... 4-9
4.3.2 AI NET2 .........................................................................4-11
4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-12
4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 4-18
4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-20
vii
Contents
4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-21
4.3.7 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 4-23
4.3.8 ASUS EPU6 Engine .................................................. 4-24
4.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link ...................................................... 4-28
4.3.10 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX
...................... 4-69
CPU features
A.1 Intel
EM64T ..................................................................................A-1
Using the Intel
Core2 Extreme /
Core2 Quad / Core2 Duo / Pentium
dual-core /
Celeron
dual-core / Celeron
Processors
Compatible with Intel
05B/05A/06 processors
Intel
ICH10R Southbridge:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel
Core 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world.
This motherboard also supports Intel
Core2 Extreme / Core2 Quad / Core2 Duo / Pentium
dual-core / Celeron
dual-core /
Celeron
Processors.
Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure 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.
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.
Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.
Due to the chipset limitation, we recommend you use FSB 800MHz CPU or
above.
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.
To prevent damage to the socket
pins, do not remove the PnP cap
unless you are installing a CPU.
2. Press the load lever with your
thumb (A), then move it to the left
(B) until it is released from the
retention tab.
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135 angle.
4. Lift the load plate with your thumb
and forefnger to a 100 angle (4A),
then push the PnP cap from the
load plate window to remove (4B).
Load plate
PnP cap
4A
4B
3
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-7
5. Position the CPU over the socket,
making sure that the gold triangle
is on the bottom-left corner of the
socket then ft the socket alignment
key into the CPU notch.
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment key
CPU notch
6. Apply several drops of thermal paste
to the exposed area of the CPU that
the heatsink will be in contact with,
ensuring that it is spread in an even
thin layer.
Some heatsinks come with pre-
applied thermal paste. If so, skip
this step.
The CPU fts in only one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the connectors on the
socket and damaging the CPU!
The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. If it gets into your eyes
or touches your skin, ensure to wash it off immediately, and seek professional
medical help.
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your fnger
directly.
2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information
The motherboard supports Intel
Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.
7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into
the retention tab.
A
B
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-9
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel
XP or later version.
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Confgure SATA as in the BIOS to
[AHCI]. See section 3.3.6 Storage Confguration for details.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-31
5. SIL5723 Serial ATA connectors [orange] (7-pin SATA_E1, SATA_E2)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard
disk drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a EZ
Backup or a Super Speed confguration with the Drive Xpert Technology
through the onboard Silicon Image
SIL5723 controller.
Before using the Drive Xpert technology, make sure that you have
connected the SATA signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives.
Drive Xpert function is available only when the hard disk drives connected
to SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) are set as data
drives.
When using one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the
SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) connector on the motherboard.
Refer to 4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert for detailed application instructions.
The SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) ports are for
SATA hard drives only. ATAPI device is not supported.
Make necessary backup before using the Drive Xpert function:
All original data of the SATA_E2 (white, port1) hard drive will be erased for
EZ Backup setup.
All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed
setup.
SATA_E1 (orange, Port 0)
SATA_E2 (white, Port 1)
NOTE: The sticker on the SATA connector illustrates the defnition of SATA_E1
and SATA_E2 ports when using Drive Xpert function. Refer to 4.3.11 ASUS
Drive Xpert for detailed application instructions.
2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information
6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB 910, USB1112_WFG)
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
specifcation that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
If your chassis supports front panel USB ports, you can attach a front panel
USB cable to these connectors. Connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector
(USB, blue) frst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector
onboard.
The USB1112 connector is available for USB 2.0 ports only in non-WiFi Edition.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-33
7. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!
You can attach a FireWire/1394 cable to this connector if your chassis suppots
the front panel IEEE1394 port. Connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector
(1394, red) frst, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector
onboard.
2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information
8. CPU, chassis and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1-3, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.)
or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insuffcient air
fow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are
not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
Only the CPU-FAN and CHA-FAN 1-3 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan
feature.
If you install two or more VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the
rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1,
CHA_FAN2 or CHA_FAN3 for better thermal environment.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-35
9. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
By default , the pin labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.
10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information
11. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
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.
We recommend that you connect a high-defnition front panel audio
module to this connector to avail of the motherboards high-defnition audio
capability.
If you want to connect a high-defnition front panel audio module to this
connector, make sure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set
to [HD Audio]. If you want to connect an AC' 97 front panel audio module
to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. Refer to 3.5.4 Onboard Device
Confguration for details.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-37
12. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs
are designed to ft these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down frmly until the connectors completely ft.
For a fully confgured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specifcation 2.0 (or later version)
and provides a minimum power of 400 W.
Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the
system will not boot.
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when
confguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500W to 600W power or above to ensure the system stability.
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.
2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information
13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)
This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s).
The S/PDIF out cable is purchased separately.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-39
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.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or fashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.
15. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information
16. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)
You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front
panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the
ASUS Q-Connector.
1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.
Refer to the labels on the Q-
Connector to know the detailed pin
defnitions, then match them to the
respective front panel cable labels.
2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on
the motherboard.
3. The front panel functions are now
enabled. The fgure shows the Q-
Connector properly installed on the
motherboard.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 2-41
2.9 Starting up for the frst 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
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with green
standards or if it has a power standby feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are
running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed
a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your
retailer for assistance.
7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
BIOS Beep Description
One short beep VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)
No memory detected
One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps
No VGA detected
One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps
Hardware component failure
2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.10 Turning off the computer
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function
If you are using Windows
XP:
1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.
2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.
3. The power supply should turn off after Windows
shuts down.
If you are using Windows
Vista:
1. Click the Start button then select ShutDown.
2. The power supply should turn off after Windows
shuts down.
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.6 Power Menu in
Chapter 3 for details.
3
BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change the
system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS
parameters are also provided.
Chapter summary
3
ASUS P5Q-E Series
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7
3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10
3.4 Ai Tweaker .................................................................................. 3-15
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-23
3.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-30
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-34
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-38
3.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-43
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-1
3.1 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 using a foppy disk or USB fash disk.)
3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable foppy disk)
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS fle to a bootable foppy disk or
USB fash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the
original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.
Installing ASUS Update
To install ASUS Update:
1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.
3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows
Matrix Storage Technology confguration from the Serial ATA hard disk
drives, set this item to [RAID].
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-13
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if the device
is accessed through BIOS.
Confguration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.
Confguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]
SATA Port1 [Auto]
Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]
Allows you to set the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology.
Confgration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.3.7 AHCI Confguration
This menu is the section for AHCI confguration. It appears only when you set the
item Confgure SATA as from the sub-menu of SATA Confguration to [AHCI].
AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]
Selects the boot time out value for AHCI CD/DVD devices.
Confguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]
SATA Port1~6 [XXXX]
Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.
Some SATA CD/DVD in
AHCI mode need to
wait ready longer.
AHCI Settings
AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [15]
AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main
SATA Port1
Device :Not Detected
SATA Port1 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]
Select the type
of devices connected
to the system.
3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.3.8 System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifcations. The BIOS
automatically detects the items in this menu.
Bios Information
Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.
Processor
Displays the auto-detected CPU specifcation.
System Memory
Displays the auto-detected system memory.
Select Screen
Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main
Bios Information
Version : 0101
Build Date : 08/08/08
Processor
Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU @ 3.00GHz
Speed : 3000MHz
Count : 2
System Memory
Usable Size : 1024MB
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-15
3.4 Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to confgure overclocking-related items.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items.
Incorrect feld values can cause the system to malfunction.
3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal
frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking confguration options:
Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.
Scroll down to display the following items:
The default values of the following items vary depending on the CPU and
memory modules you install on the motherboard.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Confgure System Performance Settings
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A2 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B1 [Auto]
DRAM CLK Skew on Channel B2 [Auto]
DRAM Timing Control [Auto]
1st Information : 5-5-5-15-3-36-5-3
2nd Information : 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
3rd Information : 13-5-1-5-5
DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]
DRAM Read Training [Auto]
MEM. OC Charger [Auto]
Ai Clock Twister [Auto]
Ai Transaction Booster [Auto]
C/P : A1 A2 A3 A 4
Options
Manual
Auto
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
LVL : 09 09 09 09
******** Please key in numbers directly! ********
CPU Voltage [Auto]
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto]
CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]
DRAM Voltage [Auto]
NB Voltage [Auto]
NB GTL Reference [Auto]
SB Voltage [Auto]
PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]
*************************************************
Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
CPU Clock Skew [Auto]
NB Clock Skew [Auto]
CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized]
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Confguration options: [Auto] [06.0] [07.0] [08.0]
The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item
to [Manual].
FSB Frequency [XXX]
Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 800. Refer to the table below for
the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization
Front Side Bus FSB 1600 FSB 1333 FSB 1066 FSB 800
CPU External Frequency 400 MHz 333 MHz 266 MHz 200 MHz
PCIE Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the PCIE frequency. The values range from 100 to 180.
3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto]
When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be adjusted automatically by FSB
Frequency and DRAM Frequency.
Congifuration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz]
3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency.
Confguration options: [Auto] [DDR2-533 MHz] [DDR2-639 MHz][DDR2-667 MHz]
[DDR2-709 MHz] [DDR2-800 MHz] [DDR2-852MHz] [DDR2-887 MHz] [DDR2-
1066MHz] [DDR2-*1200MHz*]
The DRAM Frequency confguration options vary with the FSB Frequency
item settings.
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-17
3.4.5 DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1/A2/B1/B2 [Auto]
Adjusting these items may help enhancing DRAM overclocking ability.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Advance 350ps] [Advance 300ps] [Advance 250ps]
[Advance 200ps] [Advance 150ps] [Advance 100ps] [Advance 50ps] [Normal]
[Delay 50ps] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 150ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 250ps] [Delay
300ps] [Delay 350ps]
3.4.6 DRAM Timing Control [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following sub-items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing
Control item to [Manual].
The confguration options for some of the following items vary depending
on the DIMMs you install on the motherboard.
1st Information: 5-5-5-15-3-36-5-3
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:
CAS# Latency [ 5 DRAM Clocks]
Confguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks]
[6 DRAM Clocks] [7 DRAM Clocks] [8 DRAM Clocks] [9 DRAM Clocks]
[10 DRAM Clocks] [11 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [ 5 DRAM Clocks]
Confguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [17 DRAM
Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# Precharge [ 5 DRAM Clocks]
Confguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [17 DRAM
Clocks] [18 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge Time [15 DRAM Clocks]
Confguration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [33 DRAM
Clocks] [34 DRAM Clocks]
RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
Row Refresh Cycle Time [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks]
[30 DRAM Clocks] [65 DRAM Clocks] [70 DRAM Clocks] [80 DRAM
Clocks] [85 DRAM Clocks] [105 DRAM Clocks] [132 DRAM Clocks]
Write Recovery Time [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
Read to Precharge Time [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:
READ to WRITE Delay(S/D) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
Write to Read Delay(S) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE to READ Delay(D) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
READ To READ Delay(S) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
READ To READ Delay(D) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE To WRITE Delay(S) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
WRITE To WRITE Delay(D) [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
3rd Information: 13-5-1-5-5
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:
WRITE to PRE Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [31 DRAM Clocks]
READ to PRE Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
PRE to PRE Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [3 DRAM Clocks]
ALL PRE to ACT Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
ALL PRE to REF Delay [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] [15 DRAM Clocks]
3.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto]
Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-19
3.4.8 DRAM Read Training [Auto]
Allows you to set DRAM read data timing optimization. Setting this item to
[Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger
Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. Setting
this item to [Enabled] may help enhance DRAM overclock ability.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM performance. Set this item to [Light] or [Lighter]
to enhance DRAM compatibility, or [Strong] or [Stronger] to accelerate DRAM
performance.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Lighter] [Light] [Moderate] [Strong] [Stronger]
3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster [Auto]
Allows you to set the system performance.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following two sub-items appear only when you set the Ai Transaction
Booster item to [Manual].
Common Performance Level [05]
Set this item to a higher level for better compatibility or a lower level for better
performance. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values
range from 1 to 31.
Pull-In of CHA/B PH1/2/3/4 [Disabled]
Set this item to [Enabled] to apply enhancement on DRAM Channel A and B,
Phase 1 to 4. The number of phases is determined by DRAM frequency and
FSB strap.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following ten (10) items on the next page are adjusted by typing the desired
values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type
[auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.
3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4.12 CPU Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU VCore voltage. The values range from 0.85000V to
2.10000V* with a 0.00625V interval.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage.
Setting a high VCore voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and
setting a low VCore voltage may make the system unstable.
The value [2.10000V] of the CPU Voltage item is supported only if the
OV_CPU jumper is enabled; otherwise, the maximum voltage supported is
[1.70000V]. See 2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-24
for details.
3.4.13 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.370x
to 0.760x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.
3.4.14 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU GTL voltage reference. The values range from 0.410x
to 0.800x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance CPU overclocking
ability.
3.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.78V with
a 0.02V interval.
3.4.16 FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the front side bus termination voltage. The values range from
1.20V* to 1.90V with a 0.02V interval.
The minimum value of this item becomes 1.10V when a 45nm CPU is installed.
3.4.17 DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 3.08V with a
0.02V interval.
3.4.18 NB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the North Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 2.2V*
with a 0.02V interval.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-21
The value [2.2V] of the NB Voltage item is supported only if the OV_NB
jumper is enabled; otherwise, the maximum voltage supported is [1.9V].
See 2. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-24 for details.
Setting the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM Voltage
and NB Voltage items to a high level may damage the chipset, memory
module and CPU permanently. Proceed with caution.
Some values of the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM
Voltage and NB Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the
risk levels of high voltage settings. Refer to the table below for details.
The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high
voltage settings.
Blue Yellow Purple Red
CPU PLL Voltage 1.50V~1.78V 1.80V~2.00V 2.02V~2.20V 2.22V~2.78V
FSB Termination Voltage 1.20V~1.38V 1.40V~1.90V N/A N/A
DRAM Voltage 1.80V~1.98V 2.00V~2.20V 2.22V~2.40V 2.42V~3.08V
NB Voltage 1.10V~1.26V 1.28V~1.40V 1.42V~1.58V 1.60V~2.20V
3.4.19 NB GTL Voltage Reference [Auto]
Allows you to set the Northbridge GTL voltage reference. Different ratio might
enhance CPU overclocking ability. The values range from 0.370x to 0.760x with a
0.005x interval.
3.4.20 SB Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the South Bridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V
with a 0.10V interval.
3.4.21 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the PCI Express SATA voltage. The values range from 1.50V to
1.80V with a 0.10V interval.
3.4.22 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU Load-Line mode. Set to [Disabled] to follow Intel
specifcations, or to [Enabled] to improve CPU VDroop directly.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.4.23 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
3.4.25 CPU Clock Skew [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 300ps]
[Delay 400ps] [Delay 1400ps] [Delay 1500ps]
3.4.26 NB Clock Skew [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps] [Delay 200ps] [Delay 300ps]
[Delay 400ps] [Delay 1400ps] [Delay 1500ps]
3.4.27 CPU Margin Enhancement [Optimized]
Confguration options: [Optimized] [Compatible] [Performance Mode]
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-23
3.5 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
feld values can cause the system to malfunction.
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Confguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Confguration
USB Confguration
PCIPnP
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Confgure CPU.
TPM Confguration
TCG/TPM SUPPORT [NO]
Enable/Disable TPM
TCG (TPM 1.1/1.2)
supp in BIOS
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
3.5.1 TPM Confguration
The items in this menu allow you to set the TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the confguration options.
The TPM Confguration item appears only when a TPM module is installed in
this motherboard.
TCG/TPM SUPPORT [YES]
Allows you to enable or disalbe TCG/TPM setting.
Confguration options: [YES] [NO]
The following items appear only when you set the TCG/TPM SUPPORT item to
[YES].
Execute TPM COMMAND [Last setting]
Allows you to enable or disable the TPM security chip.
Confguration options: [Last setting] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
Confgure advanced CPU settings
Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU @ 3.00GHz
Frequency :3.01GHz
FSB Speed :1340 MHz
Cache L1 :64 KB
Cache L2 :4096 KB
Ratio Status: Unlocked (Min:06, Max:09)
Ratio Actual Value:9
CPUID :6F9
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
NOTE: If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.
TPM Enable / Disable Status [No State]
The item is not confgurable.
TPM Owner Status [No State]
The item is not confgurable
To enable the TPM function, set the Execute TPM Command item to [Enabled]
and then save the change (see 3.9 Exit menu for details). After the system
reboots, the TPM Confguration menu will change into the following one.
TPM Confguration
Execute TPM Command [Last setting]
TPM Enable/Disable Status [Enabled]
Clearing the TPM [Press Enter]
TPM Owner Status [UnOwned]
Enable (Activate)/
Disable (Deactivate)
Command to TPM
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
Clearing the TPM [Press Enter]
Allows you to clear the user information saved in the TPM security chip.
When you press <Enter>, a warning message will appear to ask if you want
to clear the user information in the security chip. Use the left/right arrow key
to select between [OK] and [Cancel], and then press <Enter> to confrm your
choice.
After you select [OK] to execute the Clearing the TPM function, the data saved
in the TPM security chip will be cleared and can never be restored.
3.5.2 CPU Confguration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 3-25
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Confguration options: [Auto] [06.0] [07.0] [08.0] [09.0]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
The Intel
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network
or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ASUS PC Probe II
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.
Click to display
the next page
Click to return
to the previous
page
4-4 Chapter 4: Software support
ASUS AI Suite
The ASUS AI Suite is an innovative application to do overclocking, fan control,
power saving and quiet thermal control.
ASUS AI Direct Link
The ASUS AI Direct Link provides up to 70% transferring speed improvement when
compared to traditional USB 2.0 and is the easiest and fastest way for users to
enjoy large-sized data exchange of fles such as movies, music, etc
ASUS Express Gate Installer
Allows you to install or update Express Gate functions.
Drive Xpert
Installs the ASUS Drive Xpert utility.
Marvell Yukon VCT Application
Installs the Marvell
Acrobat
9.0c is a
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the
Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.
Corel MediaOne Starter
Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and
protect your multimedia data.
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE
Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-5
4.2.4 Make disk menu
The Make disk menu contains items to create the Intel ICH10R or Marvell
61xx
driver disk.
Intel ICH10R 32/64 bit RAID/AHCI Driver Disk
Allows you to create an ICH10R 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk.
Marvell 61xx 32/64bit SATA Driver
Allows you to create a Marvell
Acrobat
desktop.
To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows
taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.
Using PC Probe II
Main window
The PC Probe II main window allows you to view the current status of your
system and change the utility
confguration. By default, the main
window displays the Preference
section. You can close or restore
the Preference section by clicking
on the triangle on the main
window right handle.
Click to close the
Preference panel
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-13
Sensor alert
When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle
turns red, as the illustrations below show.
When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the
Monitor panels section for details.
Preference
You can customize the application using
the Preference section in the main window.
Click the box before each preference to
activate or deactivate.
Button Function
Opens the Confguration window
Opens the Report window
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window
Shows/Hides the Preference section
Minimizes the application
Closes the application
4-14 Chapter 4: Software support
Changing the monitor panels position
To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop,
click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select
another position from the list box. Click OK when fnished.
Moving the monitor panels
All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If
you want to detach a monitor panel from
the group, click the horseshoe magnet
icon. You can now move or reposition the
panel independently.
Hardware monitor panels
The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as
fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.
The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and
rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the
Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computers desktop.
Large display
Small display
Click to
increase
value
Click to
decrease
value
Adjusting the sensor threshold value
You can adjust the sensor threshold
value in the monitor panel by
clicking the or buttons. You can
also adjust the threshold values
using the Confg window.
You cannot adjust the sensor
threshold values in a small
monitoring panel.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-15
Monitoring sensor alert
The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower
than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below.
Large display
Small display
WMI browser
Click to display the
WMI (Windows Management
Instrumentation) browser. This
browser displays various Windows
management information. Click an
item from the left panel to display on
the right panel. Click the plus sign (+)
before WMI Information to display the
available information.
You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner
of the browser.
DMI browser
Click to display the DMI
(Desktop Management Interface)
browser. This browser displays various
desktop and system information.
Click the plus sign (+) before DMI
Information to display the available
information.
4-16 Chapter 4: Software support
PCI browser
Click to display the PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect)
browser. This browser provides
information on the PCI devices installed
on your system. Click the plus sign
(+) before the PCI Information item to
display available information.
Usage
The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive
space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser.
CPU usage
The CPU tab displays real-
time CPU usage in line graph
representation. If the CPU has
an enabled Hyper-Threading,
two separate line graphs display
the operation of the two logical
processors.
Hard disk drive space usage
The Hard Disk tab displays the
used and available hard disk
drive space. The left panel of the
tab lists all logical drives. Click
a hard disk drive to display the
information on the right panel.
The pie chart at the bottom of the
window represents the used (blue)
and the available HDD space.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-17
Memory usage
The Memory tab shows both
used and available physical
memory. The pie chart at the
bottom of the window represents
the used (blue) and the available
physical memory.
Confguring PC Probe II
Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.
The Confg window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/
Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold
values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the
temperature scale.
Loads the default
threshold values for
each sensor
Applies your
changes
Cancels or
ignores your
changes
Loads your saved
confguration
Saves your
confguration
4-18 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch EPU6 Engine, AI Booster, AI Nap, and Fan
Xpert utilities easily.
Installing AI Suite
To install AI Suite on your computer:
1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite.
3. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Launching AI Suite
You can launch AI Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows
desktop.
To launch AI Suite from the Windows
taskbar.
Click this icon to close or restore the application.
Using AI Suite
Click the EPU6 Engine, AI Nap, AI Booster, or Fan Xpert icon to launch the
utility, or click the Normal icon to restore the system to normal state.
Press to launch AI Nap
Press to launch
Fan Xpert
Press to launch AI Booster
Press to restore to
normal state
Press to launch
EPU6 Engine
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-19
Other feature buttons
Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window.
Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from
degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
Displays the CPU/
system temperature,
CPU/memory/PCIE
voltage, and CPU/
chassis fan speed
Displays the FSB/CPU
frequency
4-20 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap
This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer
whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and
a more quiet system operation.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap
button on the AI Suite main window.
Click Yes on the confrmation screen.
To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on
the confrmation screen.
To switch the power button functions from AI Nap to shutting down, just right
click the AI Suite icon on the OS taskbar, select AI Nap and click Use power
button. Unclick the the item to switch the function back.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-21
4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert
Asus Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan
speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate
conditions in different geographic regions and your PCs system loading. The
built-in variety of useful profles offer fexible controls of fan speed to achieve a
quiet and cool environment.
Install AI Suite from the bundled support DVD. To launch the ASUS Fan Xpert
utility, double-click the AI Suite icon on the Windows
notifcation
area.
The frst time you launch 6 Engine, the following
message will appear, asking you
to run Calibration frst. Running
calibration allows the system to
detect CPU properties to optimize
power management.
Click Run Calibration and wait for a few seconds. Then, the 6 Engine main menu
appears.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-25
6 Engine main menu
Auto Mode
Runs calibration
Turbo Mode
High Performance Mode
Medium Power Saving Mode
Max. Power Saving Mode
Advanced settings for each mode (refer to the next page for further information)
Displays CPU Power and
Total CPU Energy Saving
*Shifts between
the display of Total
and Current CO2
reduced
Displays the
amount of CO2
reduced
Displays the following
message if no VGA power
saving engine is detected.
Exits the utility
Displays the system the system
properties of each
mode
Displays
current
mode
Lights up when power
saving engine is activated
* Click Current to show the CO2 that has been reduced since
you click the Renew button .
* Click Total to show the total CO2 that has been reduced
since you launched 6 Engine.
4-26 Chapter 4: Software support
Advanced settings menu
Click Advance ( ) from the 6 Engine main menu to display
confguration options in each mode. Some options in certain modes are dimmed,
meaning that they are not available.
Click to select
a mode
Move the
slider to adjust
Click the arrow
to see more
options
Restore default
settings
Click to apply
settings
Click to abort
settings
Confguration options in Advanced settings menu
The following lists the confguration options and their defnitions in Advanced
settings menu.
CPU Frequency: Raises or lowers CPU frequency to a certain percentage.
vCore Voltage Downgrade: Lowers CPU vCore voltage.
High: Downgrades voltage to the highest level for CPU power saving.
Medium: Downgrades voltage to the medium level.
Small: Downgrades voltage to the minimum level.
Chipset Voltage Downgrade: Turns on/off chipset voltage.
Turn Off hard disks: Turns off hard disk drives when they are not accessed
after a certain time.
CPU Loadline: Sets up the CPU loadline to manage CPU power saving.
Light: Saves CPU power to the minimum level.
Medium: Saves CPU power to the medium level.
Heavy: Saves CPU power to the highest level.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-27
Confguration
options
Turbo Mode High
Performance
Mode
Medium Power
Saving Mode
Maximum
Power Saving
Mode
CPU
Frequency
Overclocking
+1% to +30%
N/A Downclocking
-1% to -50%
Downclocking
-1% to -50%
vCore Voltage
Downgrade
N/A N/A Small/Medium/
High
Small/Medium/
High
Chipset
Voltage
Downgrade
N/A N/A On/Off On/Off
Turn Off
hard disks
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
CPU Loadline N/A N/A Light/Medium/
Heavy
Light/Medium/
Heavy
Fan Control N/A N/A Keep Bios
Setting/Slow
Keep Bios
Setting/Quiet
AI Nap
Idle Time
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Never/After 3
minsAfter 5
hours
Refer to the following table for the confguration options in each mode.
Fan Control: Adjusts fan speeds to reduce noise and save system power.
Quiet: Lowers CPU fan speed and shuts off two chassis fans.
Slow: Lowers CPU fan and two chassis fan speeds.
AI Nap Idle Time: Enters AI Nap mode after a certain time during system idle
process.
4-28 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link
ASUS AI Direct Link allows you to form a computer-to-computer network via a
network cable to share fles with high transfer rate. You must frst connect two
computers (at least one of them is ASUS product) using a network cable, and then
install the utility to both computers to avail the AI Direct Link feature.
Turn off your frewall software other than Windows Firewall before launching
AI Direct Link.
The transfer rate is limited if you use a 10/100 LAN card.
Using AI Direct Link
To enable the incoming folder:
1. From the Windows
taskbar, right
click on the AI Direct Link icon and
select Connect. The following screen
displays.
2. Click Refresh. The software starts
searching for the connected computer.
3. The name of the computer found
is listed. Click Open to open its
shared folder.
4. If necessary, enter the authorized
username and password. Click
OK to log in and have full access
to this shared folder.
4. Right click on the AI Direct Link
icon and select Incoming folder
> Open incoming folder. The
AIDirectLinkIncoming folder
opens. Put the fles you want
to share into this folder. The
authorized user has full access to
this folder.
4-30 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.10 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX
audio utility.
If the SoundMAX
/ SoundMAX
BlackHawk icon
on the taskbar.
You must use 4-channel, 6-channel or 8-channel speakers for this setup.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-31
A. SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio 2)
If you are using Windows Vista operating system, from the taskbar, double-click
on the SoundMAX
control panel.
Enabling AI Audio 2
Click the power button to activate digital signal processing. AI Audio 2,
with the new SoundMAX
Vista operating system.
4-32 Chapter 4: Software support
Playback Settings
To confgure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control
panel. You can adjust the volume of the Speakers and SPDIF Interface or
mute the audio.
Preset settings
Click and expand the drop-down menu
to select your preferred Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) preset. Move the
sliders to customize the values of Voice
Clarity, Dynamics, Brilliance, and Deep
Bass of each preset. Click Save to save
the changes to the current preset. Or, click
Reset to discard the changes and restore
the preset to the factory defaults.
Port settings
Click this port settings tab to display the rear panel ports confguration for the
speakers or rear panel digital port confguration for the SPDIF interface.
Surround settings
Allows you to change the settings of the
stereo speakers. Move the sliders to
change the listener position or adjust the
center channel volume. Press the Test
Speakers button to perform speaker test.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-33
More Settings
Click for the further confgurations.
Equalizer
Allows you to
confgure and
customize all
the DSP presets
frequencies.
ANDREA settings
Allows you to select an enhanced
microphone input features, including
No Filtering, Speakerphone, Voice
Recording, and Directional Beam.
Recording Settings
To change the recording settings, click the Recording button on the control
panel. You can adjust the speaker delay of Microphone or Line In by moving
the slider rightward or leftward.
Record testing
Click the tab to perform test recording
and play the test sample through the
speakers or the SPDIF interface.
Port settings
Click the tab to display the rear
panel ports for Microphone or Line
In.
4-34 Chapter 4: Software support
Preferences
Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc.
Speakers
Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay.
Bass
Allows you to do the Bass management.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-35
Audio Setup Wizard
By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX
Control Panel.
4-36 Chapter 4: Software support
Jack confguration
This screen helps you confgure your
computers audio ports, depending on
the audio devices you have installed.
Adjust speaker volume
This screen helps you adjust speaker
volume. Click the Test button to hear
the changes you have made.
Adjust microphone volume
This screen helps you adjust microphone volume. You will be asked to read pre-
written text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-37
Audio preferences
Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change
various audio settings.
General options
Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/
disable the AudioESP feature, and enable/disable digital output.
Listening Environment options
Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic environment,
and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function.
4-38 Chapter 4: Software support
Microphone options
Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings.
Enhanced Microphone Features
Voice recording
Enables Noise Filter function. Detects repetitive and stationary noises like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming sudio stream while recording. You can enable it for a better
recording quality.
Directional Array
Receives only the sound coming from the reception cone and eliminates
interferences including neighboring speakers and reverberations. You can
enable it to transit clearer sound during on-line games, MSN, or Skype.
Speaker Phone
Advanced de-reverberation techniques can help to reduce echo and minimize
its effect on the speech engine. You can enable it when you have conference
call to reduce echoes in the other side.
The directional Array and Speaker Phone
are purchased separately and function only
when working with the ASUS Array Mic.
If you are using Windows Vista, you have to
manually enable the directional Array and
Speaker Phone function. Go to Control
panel > Sound. Click the Recording tab on
the top and select Microphone. Click the
Microphone Enhancement tab and check
Array Mic.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-39
4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert
Drive Xpert, an ASUS exclusive technology, secures the data on your hard
disk and enhances hard drive performance without the hassles of complicated
confgurations. With its user-friendly graphical user interface, you can easily
arrange hard drive backups or enhance the hard drives transfer rate.
Installing Serial ATA hard disks
For using Drive Xpert in Windows
operating system, we recommend that you
prepare three hard disks: one hard disk with operating system already installed, and
two hard disks for Drive Xpert confguration.
To install Serial ATA hard disks for Drive Xpert confguration:
1. Install two SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2. Plug one end of the SATA signal cables to each drive, and plug the other end
of the SATA signal cables to the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2
(white, port 1) connectors on the motherboard. Refer to page 2-30 for the
exact location of the SATA connectors.
3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector of each drive.
For optimal performance, we highly recommend that you install identical For optimal performance, we highly recommend that you install identical
drives of the same model and capacity.
The SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors on
the motherboard do not support ATAPI devices and hot-plug function.
Launching Drive Xpert in Windows
OS
After installing Drive Xpert from the bundled support DVD,
double-click the Drive Xpert icon on the Windows
notifcation area. The main screen as
shown on the right hand side appears.
There are two modes for Drive Xpert: EZ
Backup and Super Speed.
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have installed the
Marvell 61xx driver in the system.
Ensure to install two hard disks to the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and
SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors when the Drive Xpert mode in BIOS
setup is confgured as EZ Backup or Super Speed. Otherwise, the HDD
LED in the front panel fashes.
4-40 Chapter 4: Software support
Confguring EZ Backup
This mode allows one hard disk to backup the other hard disk automatically. This
helps you to save your vital data even if one hard disk is damaged.
We recommend that you use two new hard disks for this setup.
This setup erases all original data in the hard disk connected to the
SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connector on the motherboard. Ensure to back up
the data in the hard disk before using this setup.
To start EZ Backup confguration:
1. Click EZ Backup from the main screen.
2. Click Apply to start confguration.
3. A warning message appears, reminding you that all original data in the hard
disk connected to the SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connector on the motherboard
will be erased. Click Ok to continue.
4. The setup is completed. Click Ok to
restart your computer at once.
5. After restarting your computer, the Drive
Xpert icon on the Windows
notifcation area
turns green to indicate that EZ Backup is set
up successfully.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-41
Confguring Super Speed
This mode allows two hard disks to access data simultaneously. The dual channel
design can largely enhance hard disk transfer rate.
We recommend that you use two new hard disks for this setup.
This setup erases all original data in both hard disks. Ensure to back up all
data in the hard disks before using this setup.
To start Super Speed confguration:
1. Click Super Speed from the main screen.
3. A warning message appears, reminding you that all original data in the two
hard disks will be erased. Click Ok to continue.
2. Click Apply to start confguration.
If you are in EZ Backup mode,
click Mode Change to return to
the main screen.
4. The setup is completed. Click Ok to
restart your computer at once.
If one hard disk is corrupt, all data in both hard disks will be lost.
5. After restarting your computer, the Drive
Xpert icon on the Windows
notifcation area
turns green to indicate that Super Speed is
set up successfully.
4-42 Chapter 4: Software support
4. After restarting your computer, the Drive Xpert
icon on the Windows
desktop,
and then select Manage from the pop-up window.
2. Select Disk Management.
Right-click the unallocated
space of the disk, and then
select New Partition.
3. A New Partition Wizard screen appears. Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the volume partition.
If the New Partition option
is not available, right-click
Disk item, and then select
Initialize Disk to initialize
the disk frst.
4-44 Chapter 4: Software support
Schedule Drive Verify
Allows you to set up the schedule for verifying the hard disks. Click Ok to
apply the settings; click Cancel to close the window; and click Right Now to
start verifcation at once.
Add / Modify / Delete
Allows you to create a new
schedule, and modify/delete an
existing schedule.
Schedule Activity
Allows you to set verifcation
schedule daily, weekly, or
monthly.
New Schedule
Allows you to set specifc date
and time for the schedule.
Physical Drive
Allows you to set schedule for the selected hard disk.
Scheduled
Displays the date and time for the setup schedule.
Other feature buttons
Click to open the
Schedule Drive Verify
window
Click to open the
Event Log list
Click to open the Setup
Password window
Click to open the
Firmware Update window
Click to open the
Help menu
Click to return to the previous page
Click to hide the setup window
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-45
Firmware Update
Allows you to update the
frmware. Click Browse to
locate the frmware fle that
you want to update. Then click
Update to start the update
process.
Event Log
Displays event log list
that might be helpful for
troubleshooting and locating
a system malfunction. Click
Refresh to update the event
log list; and click Ok to close
the window.
Setup Password
Allows you to set the password
for confguration access. Key in
the user name and password.
Click Ok to apply the settings.
4-46 Chapter 4: Software support
Using Drive Xpert function in Express Gate environment
You may use Drive Xpert function in Express Gate environment by preparing only
two hard disks.
For Express Gate environment, you need to use another computer to install
Express Gate on a USB fash disk drive in advance.
Follow below instructions to complete the installation:
1. Plug a USB fash disk drive in a computer with OS already installed.
2. Refer to the Express Gate installation Refer to the Express Gate installation
on page 4-50. Ensure to select select USB as
the target disk volume when the hen the Choose
target volume screen appears.
3. Plug the USB fash disk drive to the
motherboard. Restart the system, and
launch the Express Gate.
Launching Drive Xpert
To open the ASUS Utility panel, click . Launch Drive Xpert from the ASUS
Utility panel. The main screen as shown below appears. Select EZ Backup or
Super Speed according to your need.
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have back up all your
data in your hard disks.
EZ Backup erases all original data in the hard disk connected to the
SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connector on the motherboard.
Super Speed erases all original data in both hard disks.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-47
EZ Backup
To start EZ Backup confguration:
1. Click EZ Backup from the main screen.
2. Check if the SATA cables
and power cords are installed
properly. Click Next to
continue.
3. Click Next to continue the
confguration.
4. Before proceeding, ensure that
you have back up all original
data in the hard disk connected
to the SATA_E2 (white, port 1)
connector on the motherboard.
Otherwise, the system erases
all data in the port 1 hard disk.
Click Next to continue.
5. The setup is completed. Click
OK to close the confguration
window.
4-48 Chapter 4: Software support
Super Speed
To start Super Speed confguration:
1. Click Super Speed from the main screen.
2. Check if the SATA cables
and power cords are installed
properly. Click Next to
continue.
3. Click Next to continue the
confguration.
4. Before proceeding, ensure to
back up all original data in the
two hard disks. Otherwise,
the system erases all data in
both hard disks. Click Next to
continue.
5. The setup is completed. Click
OK to close the confguration
window.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-49
Using Drive Xpert function in BIOS setup environment
You may use Drive Xpert function in BIOS setup environment. To enter BIOS
setup, press DEL key after powering on. Drive Xpert confguration options are
under Tools menu.
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have back up all your
data in your hard disks.
EZ Backup erases all original data in the hard disk connected to the
SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connector on the motherboard.
Super Speed erases all original data in both hard disks.
Drive Xpert Control [Auto]
This item allows you to enable or disable the Drive Xpert function.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled]
Drive Xpert Mode Update [Last Setting]
This item appears only when you set Drive Xpert Control to [Auto] or
[Enabled]. Set this item to [Mode Change] to show further settings of the
Drive Xpert function. Confguration options: [Last Setting] [Mode Change]
The following items appear only when you set Drive Xpert Mode Update to
[Mode Change].
Update To Super Speed [Press Enter]
This item allows you to use Super Speed function. Plug two identical SATA hard
drives in the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors on SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors on
the motherboard and press the <Enter> key. and press the <Enter> key.
Update To EZ Backup [Press Enter]
This item allows you to use allows you to use EZ Backup function. Plug two identical SATA hard . Plug two identical SATA hard
drives in the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors on SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) connectors on connectors on connectors on
the motherboard and press the <Enter> key. and press the <Enter> key.
Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter]
This item allows you to use the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1) the SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) and SATA_E2 (white, port 1)
connectors as normal SATA connectors. as normal SATA connectors.
When using one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the
SATA_E1 (orange, port 0) connector on the motherboard.
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Drive Xpert Control [Auto]
Drive Xpert Mode Update [Mode Change]
Update To Super Speed [Press Enter]
Update To EZ Backup [Press Enter]
Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter]
Express Gate [Enabled]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]
ASUS O.C. Profle
AI Net 2
Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility doesn't
support :
1.NTFS format
4-50 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.12 ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to
the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the
Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express
Gate softwares.
Installing ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs in IDE mode only.
ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset-
controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports
and external SATA ports are NOT supported. See chapter 2 for the exact
location of onboard SATA ports.
ASUS Express Gate supports installation on USB HDDs and Flash drives,
but the software performance may be slower than installed on SATA HDDs.
To install Express Gate on your computer
1. Place the support CD/DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab
appears if your computer has enabled Autorun feature.
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Express Gate Installer.
3. Select the language for installation
and click OK.
4. The InstallShield Wizard for
Express Gate appears. Click Next
to continue.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-51
The First Screen
Express Gates frst screen appears
within a few seconds after you power
on the computer. From here, you can
immediately start the web browser or
Skype.
You can also choose to continue booting
normally (e.g. to your installed OS such
as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power
off.
If you dont make any selection, Express
Gate will automatically exit and boot to your normal OS after a certain amount of
time. The timer countdown is shown on-screen inside the boot to OS button. As
you move the mouse or type a key, the countdown stops and the timer disappears,
so you can take your time to make a selection.
The Express Gate Environment
The very frst time you enter the Express
Gate environment (by launching either
web or Skype from the frst screen), a
frst time wizard will guide you through
basic Express Gate confgurations. Basic
confgurations include language, date
and time and screen resolution.
5. Select the target disk volume for
you to install Express Gate. If you
have multiple volumes and OS
installed in your hard drive, it is
recommended to install Express
Gate in Volume C. Click Next to
continue.
6. Follow the screen instructions to
complete installation.
4-52 Chapter 4: Software support
Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys
Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate.
In the First Screen:
Key Function
PAUSE/BREAK Power-off
ESC Continue to boot OS
DEL Enter BIOS setup
F8 Enter Boot selection pop-up
In the Express Gate Environment:
Key Function
<Alt> + <Tab> Switch between softwares
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del> Bring up Power-Off dialog box
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Print Screen> Save screen snapshot as picture to fle
Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar,
by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between softwares. You
can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground
by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon. Re-size a
window by dragging any of its four corners. Move a window by dragging its title bar.
Besides using the LaunchBar, you can also switch between softwares by pressing
<Alt> +<Tab> on the keyboard. You can also right-click anywhere on the desktop to
bring up a menu of softwares.
The red triangle on an software icon in the LaunchBar denotes that the software is
already running. This means that you can switch to it without any delay. In the rare
case where an software stops responding, right-click on its icon to force close it.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-53
Using the Confguration Panel
Use the confguration panel to change various Express Gate settings.
Click on an icon to open a particular confguration tool. The following tools are
available:
Date and Time: set current date and time as well as time zone.
Input Method: choose your preferred input language and method.
Language and Keyboard: choose your language and keyboard preferences.
LaunchBar Settings: customize your LaunchBar (where it docks, whether it
auto-hides, etc.)
Network: Specify how your computer connects to the Internet. Enable all the
network ports that you may use (LAN1, LAN2, and/or wireless [optional]). LAN1
and LAN2 refer to the two RJ-45 network ports on your computer.
The number of the LAN ports may differ from motherboards.
You can connect the LAN cable to either port, and Express Gate will
automatically use the connected port.
Also specify whether each port uses DHCP (most common) or static IP. For
PPPoE and wireless (optional), set the login credentials (user name, password,
SSID, etc.) as well.
Environment Settings: This function allows you to clear the Express Gate
settings, as well as any personal information stored by the web browser
(Bookmarks, Cookies, History, etc.). The user data will be reset to the original
default confguration.
After you click Restore System, a confrmation dialog box will open. If you click
Yes in the confrmation dialog box, your system will immediately restart and
then re-enter Express Gate to fnish clearing the settings. This is also useful in
the rare case where settings might become corrupted.
The frst-time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate
environment after clearing its settings.
4-54 Chapter 4: Software support
Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display.
Volume Control: Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone
input, etc.
Using the LaunchBar
The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses
and let you confgure individual Express Gate settings. The LaunchBar can be
confgured to auto-hide, if you want more screen space for the softwares. It can
also be confgured to dock on any of the four sides of the screen.
Starts the Web Browser for quick access to the World Wide Web.
Starts the Photo Manager album / organizer tool.
Starts the Chat instant messaging tool.
Start the Skype software, which lets you call other people on Skype
for free, as well as offering affordable, high quality voice communications
to phones all over the world.
Opens Confguration Panel, which lets you specify network settings
and other preferences.
In the rare case that one of the above softwares stops responding, you can right-
click on its icon and then select Close to force it to close.
The smaller icons on the right side of the LaunchBar are:
Click on this icon to open the File Manager window, which lets you
conveniently access the fles on a USB drive. If a USB device is
detected, the icon contains a green arrow.
ASUS Express Gate supports fle uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB
drive and downloading to USB drives only.
Shows network status; click to confgure network.
Shows mute status; click to change volume.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-55
Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard
shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default).
Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc).
Click to show the ASUS Utility panel.
Click to show About Express Gate .
Click to open Express Gate Help.
Click to bring up power options window to boot to OS, restart or power
down. This window is also shown when you press Ctrl-Alt-Del on the
keyboard.
Power off
Enter OS
Cancel and return to
Express Gate
Restart
Check to save
user profle
How Do I Get on to the Internet
If Internet doesnt seem to be working in the Express Gate environment, check the
following:
1. Open the Confguration Panel.
Open Confguration Panel
4-56 Chapter 4: Software support
2. Open Network.
3. Make the proper network confgurations.
Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next
to it.
Network
If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then
connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express
Gate will automatically use whichever port (LAN1 or LAN2) is connected.
If you plug the network cable into a different port while Express Gate is running
(e.g. move the cable from LAN1 to LAN2), you may need to press the Refresh
button to detect the change.
The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obtain
network settings (i.e. DHCP). If this is the case, you dont need to click Setup
for any LAN port. If this is not the case, click Setup to confgure the static IP
settings manually.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-57
If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the WiFi tab of
the Advanced Network Settings box, enter the name of your wireless access
point in the SSID feld. If your wireless access point has security enabled,
select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop-down list (e.g.
WEPAUTO) in the Encryption Type feld, and enter the password.
Click OK to enable WiFi and establish the wireless connection.
If you use a network cable connected directly to your DSL/cable modem (no
router in between), click Setup for xDSL/cable dial-up. This method is also
referred to as PPPoE. Choose whether the DSL/cable modem is connected
to your computers LAN port. Then enter the username and password for your
dial-up account.
Click OK to enable xDSL/cable dial-up and establish the PPPoE connection.
When PPPoE is enabled, the port it uses will automatically be unchecked and
grayed out.
Using the Photo Manager
Express Gate provides a easy-to-use Photo Manager that allows you to view
pictures stored in your hard drive or external storage devices (such as USB
dongles, card readers, or optical disks). You can view pictures in thumbnail view;
in an enlarged view individually; in a flename/data list view; or play them in a
slideshow with background music and fancy transition effects. JPEG, GIF, BMP,
and PNG formats are supported. Refer to the on-line Help for detailed software
operation.
Shows
the image
folder(s)
found in your
hard drive
or external
devices
Shows user-
created image
album(s)
Image
control bar
View mode
selection
Help Photo slideshow
ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset-
controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports and
external SATA ports are NOT supported.
4-58 Chapter 4: Software support
Using ASUS Drive Xpert
Without drivers or BIOS setups, the ASUS exclusive Drive Xpert is ideal for anyone
who needs to secure data on their hard drives or enhance hard drive performances
without the hassles of complicated confgurations.
To start ASUS Drive Xpert application
1. Open the ASUS Utility panel.
Open ASUS Utility Panel
2. Launch Drive Xpert from the ASUS Utility Panel.
3. Select EZ Backup or Super Speed according to your need.
Refer to section 4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert for detailed software settings.
ASUS P5Q-E Series 4-59
Confguring Express Gate in BIOS Setup
Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the
BIOS setup icon on Express Gates frst screen. Express Gate confguration
options are under the Tools menu. Refer to section 3.8.2 Express Gate for details.
Updating Express Gate
You may update your existing Express Gate software to new versions. New
versions of the Express Gate software will be released regularly, adding
refnements or new applications. You can fnd original version of the software on
the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website.
To update Express Gate
1. Double-click the Express Gate setup
fle to start software update.
2. A software update confrmation
dialog box appears. Click Yes to
continue.
3. The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears. Click Next to continue.
4. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Repairing Express Gate
In case Express Gate cannot start normally, you can repair Express Gate by
reinstalling the software or using the repairing utility.
To repair Express Gate
Click Start > All Programs > Express
Gate > Express Gate Installer >
Repair this software.
OR
Double click the Express Gate setup
fle, choose Repair, and click Next to
continue.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Express Gate [Enabled]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]
Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility doesn't
support :
1.NTFS format
4-60 Chapter 4: Software support
4.4 RAID confgurations
The motherboard comes with the Intel
RAID confgurations
This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 and Intel
Matrix
Storage confgurations for Serial ATA hard disks drives through the Intel
ICH10R
Southbridge chip.
Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID
set(s). To do this:
1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Go to the Main menu, select Storage Confguration, then press <Enter>.
3. Select the item Confgure SATA as, then press <Enter> to display the
confguration options.
4. Select [RAID] from the Confgure SATA as item options, then press <Enter>.
5. Save your changes, then exit the BIOS Setup.
Refer to the system or the motherboard user guide for details on entering and
navigating through the BIOS Setup.
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,
install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID confguration:
1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2. Connect the SATA signal cables.
3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
4-62 Chapter 4: Software support
Intel
Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0,
RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 0+1), 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
:
1. Start Windows
.
2. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.
3. Go to the Make disk menu, and then click Intel ICH10R 32/64 bit RAID
Driver Disk to create an Intel
XP/Vista
and later operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For
Windows Vista user, you can create a RAID driver disk with a foppy disk drive or a
USB fash disk drive.
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:
1. Boot your computer.
2. Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.
3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.
4. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.
5. Save changes and exit BIOS.
6. Press any key when the system prompts Press any key to boot from the
optical drive.
7. When the menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.
8. Insert a formatted foppy disk into the foppy drive then press <Enter>.
9. Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
4-70 Chapter 4: Software support
To install the RAID driver in Windows XP:
1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the <F6> key to
install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.
2. Press <F6> then insert the foppy disk with RAID driver into the foppy disk
drive.
3. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, make sure you select
Intel(R) SATA RAID Controller (Desktop ICH10R).
4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
To install the RAID driver in Windows
Vista:
1. Insert the foppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the foppy disk drive/
USB port.
2. During the OS installation, select Intel(R) SATA RAID Controller (Desktop
ICH10R).
3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
A
CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features
and technologies that the motherboard
supports.
ASUS P5Q-E Series
Chapter summary
A
A.1 Intel
EM64T ..................................................................................A-1
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
EM64T
The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel
64-bit OS.
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep
Technology (EIST)
The motherboard comes with a BIOS fle that supports EIST. You can
download the latest BIOS fle from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/
support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS. See Chapter 3 for
details.
Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EIST feature.
A.2.1 System requirements
Before using EIST, check your system if it meets the following requirements:
Intel
Vista, Windows
XP SP2 /
Linux 2.6 kernel or later versions)
Using the Intel
EM64T feature
To use the Intel
EM64T feature:
1. Install an Intel
EM64T.
2. Install a 64-bit operating system (Windows
XP Professional x64 Edition).
3. Install the 64-bit drivers for the motherboard components and devices from
the support DVD.
4. Install the 64-bit drivers for expansion cards or add-on devices, if any.
Refer to the expansion card or add-on device(s) documentation, or visit the
related website, to verify if the card/device supports a 64-bit system.
A-2 Appendix: CPU features
The screen displays and procedures may vary depending on the operating
system.
A.2.2 Using the EIST
To use the EIST feature:
1. Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.
2. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Confguration,
then press <Enter>.
3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to [Automatic],
then press <Enter>.
4. Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.
5. After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop, then
select Properties from the pop-up menu.
6. When the Display Properties
window appears, click the Screen
Saver tab.
7. Click the Power button on the
Monitor power section to open
the Power Options Properties
window.
8. On the Power schemes section,
click , then select any option
except Home/Offce Desktop or
Always On.
9. Click Apply, and then click OK.
10. Close the Display Properties
window.
After you adjust the power scheme,
the CPU internal frequency slightly
decreases when the CPU loading is
low.
ASUS P5Q-E Series A-3
A.3 Intel
Hyper-Threading Technology
The motherboard supports Intel
Pentium
Vista/XP
and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the
Hyper-Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are using any other
operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in the
BIOS to ensure system stability and performance.
Installing Windows
Pentium