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EVO

P7P55D

Motherboard
E4987
Second Edition (V2)
August 2009

Copyright © 2009 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, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification 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 identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

ii
Contents
Contents....................................................................................................................... iii
Notices ...................................................................................................................... viii
Safety information....................................................................................................... ix
About this guide........................................................................................................... x
P7P55D EVO specifications 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 Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor................................... 1-2
1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Phase......................................... 1-3
1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS.............................................. 1-3
1.3.5 ASUS Exclusive Features............................................................ 1-3

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........................................................................ 2-5
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan............................................. 2-8
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan........................................ 2-9
2.4 System memory........................................................................................ 2-10
2.4.1 Overview.................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.2 Memory configurations............................................................... 2-11
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM....................................................................... 2-19
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM..................................................................... 2-19
2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-20
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card...................................................... 2-20
2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card.................................................. 2-20
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-21
2.5.4 PCI slots..................................................................................... 2-22
2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)............................................ 2-22
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots.......................................................... 2-22

iii
Contents
2.6 Onboard switches..................................................................................... 2-24
2.7 Connectors................................................................................................ 2-27
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors............................................................... 2-27
2.7.2 Audio I/O connections................................................................ 2-28
2.7.3 Internal connectors.................................................................... 2-31
2.7.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)........................................... 2-40
2.8 Onboard LEDs........................................................................................... 2-41
2.9 Starting up for the first time..................................................................... 2-42
2.10 Turning off the computer.......................................................................... 2-42

Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.1 Knowing BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2 Updating BIOS............................................................................................. 3-1
3.2.1 ASUS Update utility..................................................................... 3-2
3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................................ 3-4
3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 3-5
3.3 BIOS setup program................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.1 BIOS menu screen....................................................................... 3-6
3.3.2 Menu bar...................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.3 Navigation keys............................................................................ 3-7
3.3.4 Menu items.................................................................................. 3-7
3.3.5 Submenu items............................................................................ 3-7
3.3.6 Configuration fields...................................................................... 3-7
3.3.7 Pop-up window............................................................................ 3-7
3.3.8 Scroll bar...................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.9 General help................................................................................ 3-7
3.4 Main menu................................................................................................... 3-8
3.4.1 SATA 1-6...................................................................................... 3-8
3.4.2 Storage Configuration................................................................ 3-10
3.4.3 AHCI Configuration.................................................................... 3-11
3.4.4 System Information.................................................................... 3-11
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu....................................................................................... 3-12
3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto].......................................................... 3-12
3.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]........................................................... 3-13
3.5.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled].................................... 3-13
3.5.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto]............................................................ 3-14
3.5.5 QPI Frequency [Auto]................................................................ 3-14

iv
Contents
3.5.6 DRAM Timing Control................................................................ 3-14
3.5.7 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]........................................... 3-14
3.5.8 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto]...................................... 3-14
3.5.9 BCLK Frequency [XXX]............................................................. 3-14
3.5.10 PCIE Frequency [XXX].............................................................. 3-14
3.5.11 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto].............................................. 3-16
3.5.12 CPU Clock Skew [Auto]............................................................. 3-16
3.5.13 CPU Voltage Mode [Offset] ....................................................... 3-17
3.5.14 IMC Voltage [Auto] .................................................................... 3-17
3.5.15 DRAM Voltage [Auto]................................................................. 3-17
3.5.16 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]............................................................. 3-17
3.5.17 PCH Voltage [Auto].................................................................... 3-18
3.5.18 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto].............................. 3-18
3.5.19 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]...................................................... 3-18
3.5.20 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto].................................................... 3-18
3.5.21 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]................................................... 3-18
3.6 Advanced menu........................................................................................ 3-19
3.6.1 CPU Configuration..................................................................... 3-19
3.6.2 North Bridge Configuration........................................................ 3-21
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration................................................. 3-22
3.6.4 USB Configuration..................................................................... 3-23
3.6.5 PCIPnP...................................................................................... 3-24
3.6.6 Intel VT-d [Disabled]................................................................... 3-24
3.6.7 T.Probe [Enabled]...................................................................... 3-24
3.7 Power menu............................................................................................... 3-25
3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]................................................................ 3-25
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]............................................. 3-25
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]...................................................... 3-25
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled].................................................... 3-25
3.7.5 EuP Ready [Disabled]................................................................ 3-25
3.7.6 APM Configuration..................................................................... 3-26
3.7.7 Hardware Monitor...................................................................... 3-27
3.8 Boot menu................................................................................................. 3-28
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-28
3.8.2 Boot Settings Configuration....................................................... 3-29
3.8.3 Security...................................................................................... 3-30


Contents
3.9 Tools menu................................................................................................ 3-32
3.9.1 ASUS O.C. Profile...................................................................... 3-32
3.9.2 Drive Xpert Configuration........................................................... 3-33
3.9.3 AI NET 2..................................................................................... 3-35
3.9.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2....................................................................... 3-35
3.9.5 Express Gate [Auto]................................................................... 3-35
3.10 Exit menu................................................................................................... 3-36

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 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-2
4.3 Software information.................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II........................................................................ 4-3
4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite.............................................................................. 4-4
4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert.......................................................................... 4-5
4.3.4 ASUS EPU................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate.................................................................... 4-7
4.3.6 VIA® High Definition Audio utility.................................................. 4-8
4.3.7 ASUS Drive Xpert........................................................................ 4-9
4.3.8 ASUS T.Probe............................................................................ 4-10
4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVO.................................. 4-11
4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV................................................................... 4-11
4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode..................................... 4-12
4.4.3 Using ASUS Turbo Key.............................................................. 4-13
4.5 RAID configurations................................................................................. 4-14
4.5.1 RAID definitions......................................................................... 4-14
4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks.................................................. 4-15
4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS................................................... 4-15
4.5.4 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility...................... 4-15
4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk..................................................................... 4-19
4.6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................. 4-19
4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................. 4-19
4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation....... 4-19
4.6.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive.................................................... 4-20

vi
Contents
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements............................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2 Before you begin.......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards................................. 5-2
5.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards............................... 5-3
5.1.5 Installing the device drivers.......................................................... 5-4
5.1.6 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology................................ 5-4
5.2 NVIDIA SLI™ technology.......................................................................... 5-6
®

5.2.1 Requirements............................................................................... 5-6


5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards....................................... 5-6
5.2.3 Installing the device drivers.......................................................... 5-7
5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology...................................... 5-7

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement


This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

viii
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure
about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is defined as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.

INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.

• Never dispose of the battery in fire. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.

• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.


• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY-RELATED
INSTRUCTIONS.

Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.

This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).

• Place the product on a stable surface.


• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.

ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized


This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and
connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

Where to find more information


Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.


Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to


complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to


complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means


that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or


Return key.

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

xi
P7P55D EVO specifications summary
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 Processors
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Intel® P55 Express Chipset
Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR3 2133(O.C.)* / 1600 / 1333 /
1066 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of
individual CPUs.
** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists)
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (single at x16 or dual at x8 / x8 mode)
1 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (at x4 mode, 2.5GT/s)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)
2 x PCI slots
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® Quad-GPU SLI™ Technology
Supports ATI® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Storage Intel® P55 Express Chipset
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology supports SATA RAID 0, 1,
5, and 10

JMicron® JMB363 SATA & PATA controller


- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

JMicron® JMB322 controller (Drive Xpert Technology)


- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (dark blue and gray)
- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed functions
* Drive Xpert function is available only when the hard disk drives
are set as data drives.
LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers
Realtek® 8112L / 8110SC Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
USB 14 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at back panel)
IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at midboard, one at back panel)
Audio VIA® VT1828S 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Absolute Pitch BD192/24
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

(continued on the next page)

xii
P7P55D EVO specifications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Hybrid Processor – TurboV EVO
- Auto Tuning, TurboV and Turbo Key

ASUS Hybrid Phase


- T.Probe Technology for Active Cooling
- 12+2 Phase Power Design

ASUS Hybrid OS – Express Gate

ASUS Xtreme Design

ASUS Exclusive Features


- ASUS Drive Xpert
- MemOK!
- ASUS EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions


- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 3
- ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Crystal Sound


- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2™
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Q-Design ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-DIMM
ASUS exclusive Precision Tweaker 2
overclocking features - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vIMC: Adjustable IMC voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vDRAM Bus: 81-step DRAM bus voltage control
- vPCH: 2-step chipset voltage control
- vCPU_PLL: 4-step reference voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)


- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 500MHz at
1MHz increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz
at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

(continued on the next page)

xiii
P7P55D EVO specifications summary
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x External SATA port
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (dark blue and gray)
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch
BIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in. x 9.6 in. (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

xiv
Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7P55D EVO motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Chapter 1
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents


Check your motherboard package for the following items.

nual
User Ma

ASUS P7P55D EVO


User guide Support DVD
motherboard

1 x Ultra DMA 133/ 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port


4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
100/66 cable eSATA module

1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge 1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector


1 x ASUS Q-Shield
connector kit

• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.


• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may
vary with different models.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 1-1


1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® LGA1156 Lynnfield Processor Ready
Chapter 1

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynnfield processors in LGA1156 package, which
has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3
memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel® Lynnfield
processor is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPU in the world. Refer to page
2-5 for details.

Intel® P55
The Intel® P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to support the latest 1156
socket Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 processors. Intel® P55 provides improved performance by
utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.

Quad-GPU SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support!


P7P55D EVO brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The
motherboard features the most powerful Intel® P55 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in
multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced
before! Refer to Chapter 5 for details.

Dual-Channel DDR3 2133(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support


The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2133(O.C.) /
1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,
multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the
bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance. Refer to page 2-10 for details.

Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the
use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating
environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health
while minimizing the impact on the environment.

1.3.2 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor


TurboV EVO
The ultimate O.C. processor satisfies every level of overclockers—from die-hard enthusiasts
to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fastest clock speeds while
maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers more
options to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record. Refer to page 4-11 for details.

Auto Tuning
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level
up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C. beginners can achieve extreme yet
stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning! Refer to page 4-12 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction


1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Phase
T.Probe
The T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in real-
time. This feature optimizes the power phase functions, allowing components to run at lower

Chapter 1
temperatures and extending their lifespan.

ASUS 12+2 Phase Power Design


The groundbreaking 12+2 phase VRM design is brought to the ASUS motherboards. 12+2
phase power design, 12-phase for vCore and extra 2-phase for Memory controller inside
CPU can provide the highest power efficiency, and hence generates less heat to effectively
enhance the overclocking capability. With the high quality power components such as low
RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and 100% Japan-made
high quality conductive polymer capacitors, ASUS 12+2 phase VRM design also ensure
longer component life and minimum power loss.

1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS


Express Gate
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and
key applications before entering the Windows® OS. Refer to page 3-35 and 4-7 for details.

1.3.5 ASUS Exclusive Features


ASUS Drive Xpert
Without 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 configurations. With Drive Xpert’s user-friendly graphical user interface, you can
easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance their hard drive transfer rates—ensuring that
data is looked after every moment, every day. Refer to page 2-33, 3-33 and 4-9 for details.

MemOK!
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically
improve your system booting success. Refer to page 2-25 for details.

ASUS EPU
The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by
detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC
components in real-time–helping save power and money! Refer to page 4-6 for details.

DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC


DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience through the
most common PC audio setups—your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition
to virtual surround, “Bass enhancement” provides stronger low frequency bass sound, and
“Voice clarification” provides clear human dialogue even with loud background sound. With
these technologies, you may experience a better home-theater audio with ease.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 1-3


ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking
capability.
Chapter 1

ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution


The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the vCore area to the
heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airflow from
CPU fan. The purpose of the innovative heat pipe design on this motherboard is that
the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan
does. The Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.

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 PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful
profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
Refer to page 4-5 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Onboard Switch


With an easy press during overclocking, the exclusive onboard switches allow gamers
to effortless fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins! Refer to page
2-24 for details.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM
design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
ASUS Q-Shield’s special design makes it convenient and easy to install on your
motherboard. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard
against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel
cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting
the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. Refer to
page 2-40 for details.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility. Refer to page 3-4 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction


Chapter 2
Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed


Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due
to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Chapter 2

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-1


2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout


Chapter 2

Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal
connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-38
2. LGA1156 CPU Socket 2-5
3. DDR3 DIMM slots 2-10
4. DRAM overvoltage setting switch (OV_DRAM) 2-26
5. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 2-36
4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
6. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-35
7. MemOK! switch 2-25
8. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) 2-31
9. Intel® P55 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA1–6 [Blue]) 2-32
10. JMicron JMB322 Serial ATA RAID connectors
®
2-33

Chapter 2
(7-pin SATA_E1 [gray], 7-pin SATA_E2 [dark blue])
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-39
12. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112, USB1314) 2-34
13. Reset switch 2-24
14. Power-on switch 2-24
15. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-35
16. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-34
17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-37
18. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-37

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-3


2.2.3 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.

2.2.4 Screw holes


Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the
chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.


Chapter 2

Place this side towards


the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 processor.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and
the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap
is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard
components. 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
LGA1156 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.

Chapter 2
2.3.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), Load lever
and then move it to the right (B) until it is
released from the retention tab. A

B
To prevent damage to the socket pins,
do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU. Retention tab

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-5


3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow until the load plate is completely
lifted.

Load plate
Chapter 2

4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU


socket.
PnP cap

5. Position the CPU over the socket,


ensuring that the gold triangle is on the
bottom‑left corner of the socket, and then
CPU notches
fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU
notches.

The CPU fits in only one correct


orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to prevent bending
Gold
the connectors on the socket and
triangle
damaging the CPU! mark

Alignment keys

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information


6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied


thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is


toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If
it gets into your eyes or touches your
skin, wash it off immediately, and seek
professional medical help.

Chapter 2
7. Close the load plate (A), and then push
B
down the load lever (B), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention lock (C).

8. Insert the load lever under the retention


tab.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-7


2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel LGA1156 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to
®

ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®‑certified
multi‑directional heatsink and fan.
• Your Intel® LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and does
not require any tool to install.
• Use an LGA1156-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The LGA1156
socket is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in size and dimension.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan assembly.
Chapter 2

Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:


A
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed
B
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners
match the holes on the motherboard. B

2. Push down two fasteners at a time in


a diagonal sequence to secure the
A
heatsink and fan assembly in place.

A B

1
B A

Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to the CPU fan
connector.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information


3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

Chapter 2
DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:


A
1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the
connector on the motherboard. B

2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. B

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a


diagonal sequence to disengage the
A
heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

A B

B A

4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-9


2.4 System memory
2.4.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets.
A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for
better performance with less power consumption.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:
Chapter 2

Recommended memory configurations


One DIMM:
Install one memory module in slot A1 or B1 first as a single-channel operation.
Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.4.2 Memory configurations
You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered and non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps
the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess
memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• Due to Intel spec definition, X.M.P. DIMMs and DDR3-1600 are supported for one
DIMM per channel only.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.
• According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the
maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3-1333. To use DIMMs of a higher frequency
with a 2.66G CPU, enable the DRAM O.C. Profile feature in BIOS.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we
recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

Chapter 2
• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked
or at a higher frequency, refer to section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory
frequency adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-11


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1067MHz
capability for CPU at 2.66, 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Lable(Bios)
A* B* C*
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1066C7 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7 1.1 • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1067.8SFD 1024MB SS MICRON D9JNL 7 • • •
Crucial CT12872BA1067.9FF 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7(1066-9-9-9-25) • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1067.16SFD 2048MB DS MICRON D9JNL 7 • • •
Crucial CT25672BA1067.18FF 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BAW0-AE-E 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
ELPIDA EBJ11RD8BAFA-AE-E 1024MB DS ELPIDA J5308BASE-AC-E(ECC) 7 • • •
ELPIDA EBJ11UD8BAFA-AG-E 1024MB DS ELPIDA J5308BASE-AC-E 8 • • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-AE-E 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C-G7N0 1024MB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 • • •
Hynix HYMT112U64ZNF8-G7 1024MB SS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 • •
Hynix HMT125U6AFP8C-G7N0 2048MB DS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 • • •
Hynix HYMT125U64ZNF8-G7 2048MB DS HYNIX HY5TQ1G831ZNFP-G7 7 • •
Chapter 2

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/1G 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 1066-7-7-7-20 1.5 • • •


KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 1066-7-7-7-20 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G 4096MB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8 1066-7-7-7-20 1.5 • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AY-1G1D1 1024MB SS MICRON 7VD22 7 • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1024MB SS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
MICRON MT9JSF12872AZ-1G1F1 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7(1066-9-9-9-25) • •
MICRON MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2048MB DS MICRON 7VD22 7 • • •
MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2048MB DS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G1F1 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
MICRON MT18JSF25672AZ-1G1F1 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • •
SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4096MB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8 8(7-7-7-20) 1.5 • • •
Transcend TS256MLK64V1U 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-AE-E 7(1066-7-7-7-20) • • •
Asint SLY3128M8-EAE 1024MB SS Asint DDRIII1208-AE (7-7-7-20) • • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EAE 2048MB DS Asint DDRIII1208-AE (7-7-7-20) • • •
WINTEC 3DU3191A-10 1024MB DS Qimonda IDSH51-03A1F1C-10F 7 • • •

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333MHz


capability for CPU at 2.66, 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
A-DATA AD133301GOU 1024MB SS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG 1333-9-9-9-24 • • •
A-DATA AD1333002GOU 2048MB DS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG 1333-9-9-9-24 • • •
A-DATA AD31333E002G0U 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85 • • •
Apacer 78.01GC6.420 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Apacer 78.01GC6.9L0 1024MB SS Apacer AM5D5808AEWSBG 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Apacer 78.01GC8.422 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E(ECC) (1333-9-9-9-24) • •
Apacer 78.A1GC6.421 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2048MB DS Apacer AM5D5808AEWSBG 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Apacer 78.A1GC8.423 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E(ECC) (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5 • • •
CORSAIR CM3X1024-1333C9DHX 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.1 • •
BoxP/N:TWIN3X2048-1333C9 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A
CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.70 • • •
(CM3X1024-1333C9)Ver1.1
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1333C9DHX 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A
CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.70 • •
(CM3X2048-1333C9DHX)Ver3.2
CORSAIR TR3X6G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5 • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1339.8FF 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Crucial CT12864BA1339.8SFD 1024MB SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Crucial CT12872BA1339.9FF 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Crucial CT25664BA1339.16FF 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333MHz
capability for CPU at 2.66, 2.8 and 2.93GHz (continued)
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Crucial CT25672BA1339.18FF 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Crucial BL25664BA1336.16SFB1 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS NA Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.8 • • •
ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BAW0-DJ-E 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BAW0-DJ-E 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1337-7-7-7-18) 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1337-8-8-8-22) 1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK(XMP) 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18(1333-7-7-7-18) 1.5-1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.5-1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5 • • •
GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-24(1333-8-8-8-28) 1.5 • • •
Hynix HMT112U6BFR8C-H9 1024MB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2048MB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2048MB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFRH9C 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8EE9 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BASE-DJ-E (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 1333-9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

Chapter 2
KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E 9(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.5 • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AY-1G4BYES 1024MB SS MICRON Z9HWR (1333-9-9-9-24) • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1024MB SS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9(1066-8-8-8-20) • • •
MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
MICRON MT9JSF12872AZ-1G4F1 1024MB SS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
MICRON MT16JF25664AZ-1G4F1 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2048MB DS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9(1066-8-8-8-20) • • •
MICRON MT18JSF25672AZ-1G4F1 2048MB DS MICRON D9KPT(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
OCZ OCZ3RPX1333EB2GK 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1066-6-5-5-20) • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P13332GK 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) • •
OCZ OCZ3P13334GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.8 • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZX1333LV6GK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS NA Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.6 • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E 1066-8-7-7-20 • • •
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E 1066-8-7-7-20 • • •
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D(ECC) 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CH9 4096MB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Super Talent W1333UX2GB(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8(1333-8-8-8-24) 1.8 • • •
Transcend TS128MLK64V3U 1024MB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846D 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Asint SLY3128M8-EDJ 1024MB SS Asint DDRIII1208-DJ (9-9-9-24) • • •
Asint SLY3128M8-EDJE 1024MB SS ELPIDA J1108BASE-DJ-E 1066-8-8-8-20 • • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJ 2048MB DS Asint DDRIII1208-DJ (9-9-9-24) • • •
Asint SLZ3128M8-EDJE 2048MB DS ELPIDA J1108BASE-DJ-E 1066-8-8-8-20 • • •
ASUS N/A 1024MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-1G 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1066-7-7-7-20) • •
BUFFALO FSH1333D3G-T3G(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-8-7-7-20) • • •
BUFFALO FSX1333D3G-2G 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1066-7-7-7-20) • •
Patriot PDC32G1333LLK 1024MB SS PATRIOT Heat-Sink Package 7(1337-7-7-7-20) 1.7 • •
Patriot PVT33G1333ELK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1333ELK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.5 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1333LLK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7 • •
Patriot PVT36G1333ELK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Silicon SP001GBLTU133S02 1024MB SS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Power
Silicon SP002GBLTU133S02 2048MB DS S-POWER I0YT3E0 9(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Power

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-13


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz
capability for CPU at 2.66GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing support (Optional)
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.75-1.85 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP)Ver2.1 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C9(XMP)Ver1.1 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • •
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A
CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9--9-24) 1.80 • • •
(CM3X2G1600C9DHXNV)Ver4.1
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D(XMP)Ver2.1 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9(XMP)Ver2.1 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
Crucial BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1601-8-8-8-24) 1.8 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21(1333-8-8-8-21) 1.6-1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.6~1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6 • • •
Chapter 2

GEIL GV34GB1600C8DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-28(1600-8-8-8-28) 1.6 • • •


KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8KG9-NAES 1024MB SS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28) 1.5 • • •
KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8KG9-NEES 2048MB DS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28) 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3LLK3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1600-8-8-8-20 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3K2/4G 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3LLK3/6GX(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB1G 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-6-6-24(1333-7-7-7-20) • •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P16004GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB4GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-6(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.8 • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65 • • •
Cell Shock CS322271 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-14(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7-1.9 • • •
Mushkin 996657 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 • • •
Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6 • • •
Patriot PVT33G1600ELK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1600ELK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.8 • •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLK(XMP) 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLKN 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 2.0 • •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1600-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
PQI MFADR401PA0102(XMP) 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G08460 1066-8-8-8-20 • • •

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz
capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65-1.85 • • •
A-DATA AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.75-1.85 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D(XMP)Ver2.1 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C8D 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X3G1600C9(XMP)Ver1.1 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR BoxP/N:TW3X4G1600C9DHXNV 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9--9-24) 1.80 • • •
(CM3X2G1600C9DHXNV)Ver4.1
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D(XMP)Ver2.1 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1601-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C8D 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1600C9(XMP)Ver2.1 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
Crucial BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1601-8-8-8-24) 1.8 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1333-9-9-9-24) 1.6 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21(1333-8-8-8-21) 1.6-1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBPI(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.6~1.65 • • •
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1601-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6 • • •

Chapter 2
GEIL GV34GB1600C8DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-28(1600-8-8-8-28) 1.6 • • •
KINGMAX FLGD45F-B8KG9-NAES 1024MB SS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28) 1.5 • • •
KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8KG9-NEES 2048MB DS KINGMAX KFB8FNGXF-ANX-12A 9(1600-9-8-9-28) 1.5 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3LLK3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1600-8-8-8-20 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12288MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1066-9-9-9-24) • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3K2/4G 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX12800D3LLK3/6GX(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package (1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB1G 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-6-6-24(1333-7-7-7-20) • •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600LV3GK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3P16004GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P1600EB4GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-6(1333-7-7-7-20) 1.8 • • •
OCZ OCZ3X16004GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 1.9 •
OCZ OCZ3G1600LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1600-8-8-8-24) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3X1600LV6GK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8(1066-7-7-7-16) 1.65 • • •
Super Talent WB160UX6GB(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1333-8-8-8-24 • • •
Cell Shock CS322271 2048MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-14(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.7-1.9 • • •
Mushkin 996657 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 • • •
Mushkin 998659(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.5-1.6 • • •
Patriot PVT33G1600ELK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1600ELK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.8 • •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLK(XMP) 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • • •
Patriot PVS34G1600LLKN 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 2.0 • •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
Patriot PVT36G1600ELK 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1600-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • • •
PQI MFADR401PA0102(XMP) 2048MB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G08460 1066-8-8-8-20 • • •

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-15


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1625MHz
capability for CPU at 2.66GHz
DIMM socket
Chip Timing support (Optional)
Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Brand Chip NO. Dimm(Bios) Voltage
A* B* C*
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GN(EPP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GX(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GXN 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • •

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1625MHz


capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/DS Chip Timing support (Optional)
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO.
Brand Lable(Bios) Voltage
A* B* C*
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GN(EPP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GX(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX13000D3LLK2/2GXN 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
Chapter 2

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz


capability for CPU at 2.66GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Timing support
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Apacer 78.0AGCD-CDZ(XMP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1800-8-8-8-24) 1.8 • •
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1800C8DF 4GB(Kit of 2) DS N/A
CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.80 • •
(CM3X2G1800C8D)Ver4.1
KINGSTON KHX14400D3/1G 1GB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • •
KINGSTON KHX14400D3K2/2GN(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • • •
KINGSTON KHX14400D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1800-9-9-9-27 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3P18002GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 •
OCZ OCZ3P18004GK 4GB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.9 • •
Transcend TX1800KLU-2GK(XMP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 • • •
Patriot PVS32G1800LLKN(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • •

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz


capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing support
Vendor Part No. Size Voltage (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Apacer 78.0AGCD-CDZ(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1800-8-8-8-24) 1.8 • •
BoxP/N:TW3X4G1800C8DF 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS
CORSAIR N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.80 • •
(CM3X2G1800C8D)Ver4.1
KINGSTON KHX14400D3/1G 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • •
KINGSTON KHX14400D3K2/2GN(EPP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.9 • •
KINGSTON KHX14400D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1800-9-9-9-27 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3P18002GK 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 • •
OCZ OCZ3P18004GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.9 • •
Transcend TX1800KLU-2GK(XMP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 • •
Patriot PVS32G1800LLKN(EPP) 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-20(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 • •

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1866MHz
capability for CPU at 2.66GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing support
Vendor Part No. Size Voltage (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Apacer 78.0AGCQ.CBZ(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27(1066-8-8-8-20) •
Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 1GB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28(1333-9-9-9-24) 2 • • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL7T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-8-7-20(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K2/2GN(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.0 • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3ULT1K3/ 6GB(Kit 0f 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
6GX(XMP)
KINGSTON KHX16000D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3FXT20002GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P20002GK(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P2000EB2GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-8-8(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.8 • •
Gingle 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2BG DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

Chapter 2
P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1866MHz
capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
CORSAIR TR3X3G1866C9D(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • •
CORSAIR TR3X6G1866C9D 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1866-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX14900D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV3GK 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • •
OCZ OCZ3RPR1866C9LV6GK 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.65 • •
Super Talent W1866UX2GB(XMP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1333-9-9-9-24) • • •
Patriot PVS32G1866LLK(XMP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 1.9 •
Patriot PVS32G1866LLK(XMP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24(1866-8-8-8-24) 1.9 • •

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000MHz


capability for CPU at 2.66GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing
Vendor Part No. Size Voltage support (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Apacer 78.0AGCQ.CBZ(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27(1066-8-8-8-20) •
Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 1GB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28(1333-9-9-9-24) 2 • • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL7T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-8-7-20(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K2/2GN(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.0 • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(Kit 0f 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3FXT20002GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P20002GK(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P2000EB2GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-8-8(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.8 • •
Gingle 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2GB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-17


P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2000MHz
capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket
SS/ Chip Chip NO. Timing support
Vendor Part No. Size Voltage (Optional)
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
Apacer 78.0AGCQ.CBZ(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-27(1066-8-8-8-20) • •
Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 1GB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28(1333-9-9-9-24) 2 • • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL7T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-8-7-20(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
G.SKILL F3-16000CL9T-6GBPS(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K2/2GN(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 2.0 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3K3/3GX(XMP) 3GB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1333-9-9-9-24) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(Kit 0f 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
KINGSTON KHX16000D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9(1066-8-8-8-20) 1.65 • • •
OCZ OCZ3FXT20002GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P20002GK(EPP) 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 1.9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P2000EB2GK 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-8-8(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.8 • • •
Gingle 9CAASS37AZZ01D1 2GB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 • • •
Patriot PVS32G2000LLKN 2GB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-7-7-7-20) 2 • •
Chapter 2

P7P55D EVO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-2133MHz


capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz
DIMM socket support
SS/ Chip Timing (Optional)
Vendor Part No. Size Chip NO. Voltage
DS Brand Dimm(Bios)
A* B* C*
G.SKILL F3-17066CL9T-6GB-T 6GB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24(1066-8-7-7-20) 1.65 • •

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided


DIMM support:
• A*: Supports one (1) module inserted into slot A1 or B1 as Single-channel memory
configuration.
• B*: Supports two (2) modules inserted into the blue slots (A1 and B1) as one pair of
Dual-channel memory configuration.
• C*: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and the black slots as two
pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.

• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.


• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
• According to Intel spec definition, DDR3-1600 is supported for one DIMM per channel
only. ASUS exclusively provides two DDR3-1600 DIMM support for each memory
channel.
• According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the
maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3-1333. To use DIMMs of a higher frequency
with a 2.66G CPU, enable the DRAM O.C. Profile feature in BIOS.
• Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.4.3 Installing a DIMM
Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system
components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the
components.

To install a DIMM: 2
DIMM notch
1. Press the retaining clips outward to
unlock a DIMM socket.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the 1
break on the socket.

Chapter 2
Unlocked retaining clip

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into
a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket


until the retaining clips snap back in
place and the DIMM is properly seated.

Locked Retaining Clip

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM


To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining 2


clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
1

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM
might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-19


2.5 Expansion slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the
slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do
so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card


To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later
use.
Chapter 2

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely
seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card


After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 3 for
information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next
page for details.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
Standard interrupt assignments
IRQ Priority Standard function
0 1 System Timer
1 2 Keyboard Controller
2 – Redirect to IRQ#9
4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*
5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
6 14 Reserved
7 15 Reserved
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*
11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

Chapter 2
12 7 Reserved
13 8 Numeric Data Processor
14 9 Primary IDE Channel
* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard


A B C D E F G H
PCIE x16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x16_2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x16_3 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x1_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x1_2 – shared – – – – – –
LAN1 (8112) – – – shared – – – –
LAN2 (8110) – – – shared – – – –
JMicron ATA Controller – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 1 – – – – – shared – –
SATA controller 2 – – – – – shared – –
USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 controller 2 shared – – – – – – –
1394 controller – – shared – – – – –
HD Audio – – – – – – shared –
PCI_1 shared
PCI_2 – shared – – – – – –

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-21


2.5.4 PCI slots
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that
comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)


This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that
comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the
slots.

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots


This motherboard has three PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots that support PCI Express x16 2.0
graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the
location of the slots.
Chapter 2

PCI slot 2
PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot (black, at x4 link, 2.5GT)
PCI slot 1
PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (gray, at x8 link)
PCI Express x1_2 slot
PCI Express x1_1 slot
PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue, single at x16 or dual at x8 link)

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information


PCI Express operating mode
VGA configuration
PCIe x16_1 PCIe x16_2 PCIe x16_3

x16 (Recommend for


Single VGA/PCIe card N/A x4 (PCIe card)
single VGA)

Dual VGA/PCIe card x8 x8 x4

Triple VGA/PCIe card x8 x8 x4

• In single VGA card mode, use first the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express
x16 graphics card to get better performance.
• In CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode, use the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 (blue) and PCIe 2.0 x16_2
(gray) slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.
• Use the three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for Triple CrossFireX™ mode.

Chapter 2
• We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™
mode. See page 2-38 for details.
• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using
multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-36 for details.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-23


2.6 Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case
system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance
system performance.

1. Power-on switch
The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that allows you to power up or wake
up the system. This switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source
indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the
location of the onboard power-on switch.
Chapter 2

2. Reset switch
Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information


3. MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompaible with the motherboard may cause system boot
failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and
hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic
memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

Chapter 2
• Refer to section 2.8 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.
• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the
system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows® OS environment.
• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It
takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test
fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed
of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.
• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each
timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning
process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones
recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on
the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system
continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn
off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.
• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot
and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you
that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.
• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-25


4. DRAM overvoltage setting switch (OV_DRAM)
This switch allows you to enable or disable the advanced DRAM overvoltage settings in
BIOS. Read the following information before you change the switch settings.
Chapter 2

OV_DRAM
Default up to 2.0V

Enable OV (red) up to 2.5V

• Before you change the settings for extra-high overvoltage ability, use the BIOS items
first to adjust the desired DRAM performance. Ensure your system functions well
under the highest BIOS voltage settings before you change the setting of this switch.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect
the CPU.
• The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling system)
to work stably under high voltage settings.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.7 Connectors
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

Chapter 2
Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 8. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 9. Optical S/PDIF Out port

3. LAN (RJ-45) port 2* 10. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

4. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 11. IEEE 1394a port

5. LAN (RJ-45) port 1* 12. External SATA port

6. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 13. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

7. Clear CMOS switch 14. Audio I/O ports**

*and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions.

• DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.


• To enable external SATA device hot-plugging, set the J-Micron eSATA/PATA
Controller item in the BIOS setting to [AHCI Mode], and then reboot the system. Refer
to section 3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.
• Press the Clear CMOS switch to clear BIOS setup information only when the system
hangs due to overclocking.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-27


* LAN port LED indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
Activity Link LED Speed LED
LED LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection LAN port

** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration


Headset
Port 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
2-channel
Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In
Chapter 2

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In
Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

2.7.2 Audio I/O connections


Audio I/O ports

Connect to Headphone and Mic

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information


Connect to Stereo Speakers

Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-29


Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
Chapter 2

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.7.3 Internal connectors
1. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are
three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the
following modes to configure your device.

Chapter 2
Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black


Master Black
Cable-Select
Slave Gray
Two devices
Master Master
Black or gray
Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA
cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.
• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the
same setting.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-31


2. Intel® P55 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA 1-6)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives
and optical disc drives.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10
configuration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology through the onboard Intel® P55
chipset.
Chapter 2

• These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard IDE mode,
you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you
intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the Configure
SATA as item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for
details.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.5 RAID configurations or the manual
bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
• You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP2 or later version.
• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Configure SATA as in the BIOS to [AHCI].
See section 3.4.2 Storage Configuration for details.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information


3. JMicron® JMB322 Serial ATA connectors
(7-pin SATA_E1 [gray], SATA_E2 [dark blue])
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 an EZ Backup or a Super
Speed configuration with the Drive Xpert Technology through the onboard JMicron®
JMB322 controller.

Chapter 2
Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have back up all your data in your
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 configuration.
• Before using the Drive Xpert technology, ensure that you have connected the SATA
signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA_E1/E2 connectors.
• The SATA_E1 (gray) and SATA_E2 (dark blue) ports are for SATA hard drives only.
ATAPI devices and hot-plug function are not supported.
• Drive Xpert is available only when the hard disk drives connected to SATA_E1 (gray)
and SATA_E2 (dark blue) are set as data drives.

Refer to 4.3.7 ASUS Drive Xpert for detailed application instructions.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-33


4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910; USB1112; USB1314)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of
these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to
480 Mbps connection speed.
Chapter 2

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports
front panel USB ports.

5. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)


These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as
a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information


6. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for an 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.

Chapter 2
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

7. 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.

The COM module is purchased separately.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-35


8. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the
black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Chapter 2

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the
system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place
jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.
• Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1 and CHA_FAN2 connectors support the ASUS Fan
Xpert feature.
• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable
to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal
environment.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information


9. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect
the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening
at the back of the system chassis.

Chapter 2
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

10. 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-definition front panel audio module to this
connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set
the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio]; if you want to connect an
AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default,
this connector is set to [HD Audio].

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-37


11. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are
designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and
push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Chapter 2

• For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a
minimum power of 350 W.
• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will
not boot.
• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when configuring a
system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or
may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
• 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.
• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.
PSU suggested list
Coolive AP-350F OCZ OCZGXS850
AcBel PC7030 Seasonic SS-850EM
Antec SG-850 Seasonic SS-900HP
Be quiet P6-PRO-850W Seventeam ST-420BKP
Corsair CMPSU-620HX Seventeam ST-522HLP
CWT PSH650V-D Silverstone PSU ST56ZF
CWT PSH750V-D Silverstone SST-ST50EF
EnerMAX EGX1000EWL Silverstone SST-ST85F
EnerMAX EIN720AWT Snake PSH500V
EnerMAX ELT500AWT Tagan TG1100-U33
FSP FSP500-60GLN Thermaltake PUREPower-600AP
I-cuteAP-600S Thermaltake TWV500W-AP
OCZ OCZ1000PXS Thermaltake W0133RU
OCZ OCZ780MXS Zalman ZM600-HP

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information


12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

Chapter 2
• 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 flashes 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.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-39


2.7.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)
Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables.

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 definitions, and then
match them to their respective front panel IDE_LED+ IDE_LED
cable labels. IDE_LED-

The labels on the front panel cables R SW


PWR POWE
may vary depending on the chassis Ground
model.
S W
Reset RESET
Chapter 2

Ground

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system


panel connector, ensuring the orientation
matches the labels on the motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.


The figure shows the Q-Connector is properly
installed on the motherboard.

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information


2.8 Onboard LEDs
POST State LEDs
POST State LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD) in
sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to
the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly
design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.

Chapter 2
You may disable the POST State LEDs in BIOS. Refer to section 3.8.2 Boot Settings
Configuration for details.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 2-41


2.9 Starting up for the first time
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Be sure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
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 the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green
after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the
Chapter 2

BIOS beeps (see the 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.

BIOS Beep Description


VGA detected
One short beep Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

One continuous beep followed by two short


No memory detected
beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three short


No VGA detected
beeps
One continuous beep followed by four short
Hardware component failure
beeps

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

2.10 Turning off the computer


While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system
on sleep mode or 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 3.7 Power menu in Chapter 3 for details.

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information


Chapter 3
Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS


BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:
• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to
run the BIOS Setup.
• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.

Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.

3.2 Updating BIOS


The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard.

Chapter 3
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.


2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.
3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support
DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update utility.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-1


3.2.1 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
• Save the current BIOS file
• Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet
• View the BIOS version information
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet


Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update


To install ASUS Update:
1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive.
2. From the Main menu, click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.
3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet


To update the BIOS through the Internet:
Chapter 3

1. From the Windows® desktop, click 2. Select Update BIOS from the
Start > Programs > ASUS > Internet from the drop‑down menu,
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The and then click Next.
ASUS Update main window appears.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest 4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
you to avoid network traffic, or click version that you wish to download. Click
Auto Select. Click Next. Next.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update
the utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file


To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
1. Fom the Windows® desktop, click 3. Locate the BIOS file from the Open
Start > Programs > ASUS > window, then click Open.

Chapter 3
ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to
ASUS Update main window appears. complete the update process.
2. Select Update BIOS from a file
from the dropdown menu, then click
Next.
P7P55EVO.ROM

P7P55EVO

Ensure to load the BIOS default


settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the
Load Setup Defaults item under
the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit
Menu for details.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-3


3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a
bootable floppy disk or an OS‑based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website
at www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port, and then
launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:
• Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and
press <Enter> to enable it.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.38


FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A
Current ROM Update ROM
BOARD: P7P55D EVO BOARD: Unknown
VER: 0105 VER: Unknown
DATE: 06/17/2009 DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:

Note
Chapter 3

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info


[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

2. Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is found. When
the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and
automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for
details.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains
the BIOS file.

The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.

Recovering the BIOS


To recover the BIOS:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.
4. Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on
again.
5. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default
BIOS values.

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!

Chapter 3

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-5


3.3 BIOS setup program
A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del>
during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues
with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>,
or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the
system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the first two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven
program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options
using the navigation keys.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults
item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.
• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors
for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen


Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25] Use [ENTER], [TAB]


System Date [Thu 07/09/2009] or [SHIFT-TAB] to
Language [English] select a field.

SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380] Use [+] or [-] to


SATA2 [Not Detected] configure system Date.
SATA3 [ATAPI DVD DH1]
Chapter 3

SATA4 [Not Detected]


SATA5 [Not Detected]
SATA6 [Not Detected]

Storage Configuration ←→ Select Screen


↑↓ Select Item
System Information +- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

Submenu items Navigation keys

3.3.2 Menu bar


The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main For changing the basic system configuration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration
Boot For changing the system boot configuration
Tools For configuring options for special functions
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.3.3 Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.
Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.

The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.

3.3.4 Menu items


The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

3.3.5 Submenu items


A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To
display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.

3.3.6 Configuration fields


These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-configurable.
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the
value of a field, select it and press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up
window.

3.3.7 Pop-up window

Chapter 3
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to Main Ai Tweaker Advanced
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Power Boot Tools Exit

display a pop-up window with the configuration Suspend Mode


ACPI Version Features
[Auto]
[Disabled]
Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a field.

options for that item.


ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
Disabled
Enabled
Use [+] or [-] to
APM Configuration configure system Time.
Hardware Monitor

3.3.8 Scroll bar ←→


↑↓
+-
Select Screen
Select Item
Change Field
Tab Select Field

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a


F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

menu screen when there are items that do not v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

fit on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow Scroll bar


keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to Pop-up window
display the other items on the screen.

3.3.9 General help


At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-7


3.4 Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an
overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the
submenu.

Refer to section 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and
how to navigate through them.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25] Use [ENTER], [TAB]


System Date [Thu 07/09/2009] or [SHIFT-TAB] to
Language [English] select a field.

SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380] Use [+] or [-] to


SATA2 [Not Detected] configure system Date.
SATA3 [ATAPI DVD DH1]
SATA4 [Not Detected]
SATA5 [Not Detected]
SATA6 [Not Detected]

Storage Configuration ←→ Select Screen


↑↓ Select Item
System Information +- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.4.1 SATA 1-6


While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There
is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to
display the SATA device information.
Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main
SATA 1 Select the type
Device : Hard Disk of device connected
Vendor : HDT722516DLA380 to the system.
Size : 164.7GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16Sectors
PIO Mode : 4
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-6
SMART Monitoring:Supported

Type [Auto] ←→ Select Screen


LBA/Large Mode [Auto] ↑↓ Select Item
Block(Multi-sector Transfer)M [Auto] +- Change Field
PIO Mode [Auto] F1 General Help
DMA Mode [Auto] F10 Save and Exit
SMART Monitoring [Auto] ESC Exit
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size,
LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART Monitoring). These
values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no SATA device is installed in the
system.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


Type [Auto]
Allows you to select the type of device installed.
[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is installed.
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.
[CDROM] Select this option if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive.
[ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a
ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

This item appears in SATA1-4 only.

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]


[Auto] Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously
formatted with LBA mode disabled.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]
[Auto] When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in
multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one
sector at a time.
PIO Mode [Auto]
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,
which correspond to different data transfer rates.
[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Sets the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Chapter 3
DMA Mode [Auto]
DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware
devices installed with much less CPU overhead.
The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA
(Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.

SMART Monitoring [Auto]


[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,
and Reporting Technology).
[Enabled] Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.
[Disabled] Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]


[Enabled] Sets the controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk into
a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes more
efficient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the
transfer of a particular amount of data.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-9


3.4.2 Storage Configuration
The Storage Configuration menu allows you to configure your storage devices. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main
Storage Configuration
SATA Configuration [Enhanced]
Configure SATA as [IDE]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]


IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

SATA Configuration [Enhanced]


Configuration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]
Configure SATA as [IDE]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration. This item appears only when you set the
SATA Configuration item to [Enhanced] or [Compatible].
[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[RAID] Set to [RAID] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA
hard disk drives.
[AHCI] Set to [AHCI] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI
(Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands.
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
Chapter 3

[Enabled] Enables device write protection. This function will be effective only if the
device is accessed through BIOS.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices from the following options: [0] [5]
[10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.4.3 AHCI Configuration
This menu is the section for AHCI configuration. It appears only when you set the item
Configure SATA as from the submenu of SATA Configuration to [AHCI].
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main
AHCI Settings

SATA Port1 [Not Detected]


SATA Port2 [Not Detected]
SATA Port3 [Not Detected]
SATA Port4 [Not Detected]
SATA Port5 [Not Detected]
SATA Port6 [Not Detected]

SATA Port1–6 [XXXX]


Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.
SATA Port1–6 [Auto]
[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the device type connected to the
system.
[Not Installed] Selects this option if no SATA devices are installed.
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system.
When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to
report warning messages during the POST.
[Enabled] Enables the SMART monitoring feature.
[Disabled] Disables the SMART monitoring feature.

Chapter 3
3.4.4 System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically
detects the BIOS information, CPU specification, and system memory in this menu.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main

BIOS Information
BIOS Version : 0166
BIOS Build Date : 07/08/09
EC BIOS Version : MBEC-0024

Processor
Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.13GHz
Speed : 2139MHz

System Memory
Usable Size : 1016MB

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-11


3.5 Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field
values can cause the system to malfunction.

The configuration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
Configure System Performance Settings Press ENTER to run the
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] utility to Tuner BCLK.
CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]
Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
QPI Frequency [Auto]
DRAM Timing Control
CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto]
CPU Clock Skew [Auto]
******* Please key in numbers directly! ******* ←→ Select Screen
CPU Voltage Mode [Offset] ↑↓ Select Item
Offset Voltage [Auto] +- Change Option
Current CPU Core Voltage [ 1.048V] F1 General Help
IMC Voltage [Auto] F10 Save and Exit
Current IMC Voltage [ 1.109V] ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

Scroll down to display the following items:


DRAM Voltage [Auto]
Current DRAM Voltage [ 1.500V]
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Current CPU PLL Voltage [ 1.800V]
PCH Voltage [Auto]
Current PCH Voltage [ 1.040V]
Chapter 3

DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]


DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
***********************************************
Load-Line Calibration [Auto] ←→ Select Screen
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ↑↓ Select Item
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] +- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]


Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.


Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

D.O.C.P Overclocks DRAM frequency by adjusting BCLK frequency.

X.M.P. If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles supported by
your memory modules for optimizing the system performance.

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


The configuration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the DIMMs you
install on the motherboard.

DRAM O.C. Profile [DDR3-1600MHz]


This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and allows
you to select a DRAM O.C. profile, which applies different settings to DRAM frequency,
DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Configuration options: [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1800MHz]
[DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz]

DRAM Frequency CPU Frequency (GHz)


(MHz) 2.66 2.8 2.93

1333 Auto Auto Auto

1600 D.O.C.P. Auto Auto

Above 1600 D.O.C.P. D.O.C.P. D.O.C.P.

• When using DIMMs with a frequncy higher than the Intel® CPU spec, use this ASUS
exclusive DRAM O.C. Profile function to overclock the DRAM.
• Adjust BCLK frequency to obtain a better performance after applying the D.O.C.P
function.

eXtreme Memory Profile [High Performance]


This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [X.M.P.] and allows you
to select the X.M.P. mode supported by your memory module.
[Disabled] You are not allowed to select the memory profile.

Chapter 3
[High Performance] Allows your memory to work in high performance.
[High Frequency] Allows your memory to work in high frequency.

To obtain the best performance of the X.M.P. DIMM or 1600MHz DIMM, install only one
DIMM on each memory channel.

3.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]


Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

3.5.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]


[Enabled] The CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-13


3.5.4 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]
[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific
condition.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

3.5.5 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode [Auto]


[Auto] Automatic configuration.
[Enabled] Enables Full Power Mode to ensure the best CPU overclocking performance.

The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to
[Manual], [D.O.C.P.] or [X.M.P.].

3.5.6 BCLK Frequency [XXX]


Allows you to adjust the CPU operating frequency to enhance the system performance. Use
the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 80 to 500.

3.5.7 PCIE Frequency [XXX]


Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE
frequency. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range
from 100 to 200.

3.5.8 DRAM Frequency [Auto]


Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. The configuration options vary with the
BCLK Frequency item settings.
Chapter 3

According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the maximum
DIMM frequency of up to DDR3 1333. To use DIMMs of a higher frequency with a 2.66G
CPU, enable the DRAM O.C. Profile feature in BIOS. Refer to section 3.5.1 Ai Overclock
Tuner for details.

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.

3.5.9 QPI Frequency [Auto]


Allows you to set the QPI frequency.

3.5.10 DRAM Timing Control


The items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features.

The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


1st Information: 6-6-6-15-4-36-6-5-16
The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]


Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [10 DRAM Clock] [11
DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock] [10
DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock] [10
DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] [4 DRAM Clock] – [30 DRAM Clock] [31
DRAM Clock]
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [7 DRAM Clock]
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [30 DRAM Clock] [36 DRAM Clock]
[48 DRAM Clock] [60 DRAM Clock] [72 DRAM Clock] [82 DRAM Clock]
[88 DRAM Clock] [90 DRAM Clock] [100 DRAM Clock] [110 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Chapter 3
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock]

2nd Information: 1N-49-52


The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1N] [2N] [3N]
DRAM Round Trip Latency on CHA/B [Auto]
[Auto] [Advance 15 Clock]–[Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock]
[Delay 15 Clock]

3rd Information: 6-6-13-9-9-9-7-6-4-7-7-4


The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items:
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-15


DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [8 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [10 DRAM Clock] – [22 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to WRITE Delay(SR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [14 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to READ Delay(DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]
DRAM READ to READ Delay(SR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] [6 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(DD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(DR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 DRAM Clock] – [9 DRAM Clock]
DRAM WRITE to WRITE Delay(SR) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [4 DRAM Clock] [6 DRAM Clock]
Chapter 3

3.5.11 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto]


Different AMP might enhance BCLK overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [700mV] [800mV] [900mV] [1000mV]

3.5.12 CPU Clock Skew [Auto]


Adjusting this item may help enhancing BCLK overclocking ability. You may need to adjust
the CPU Clock Skew item at the same time.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Delay 100ps]–[Delay 1500ps]

Some of the following items 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.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.5.13 CPU Voltage Mode [Offset]
Allows you to set the CPU Voltage Mode. Different sub-items appear according to the CPU
Voltage Mode item setting. Configuration options: [Offset] [Manual]

Offset Voltage [Auto]


This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Mode item to [Offset] and allows you to
set the Offset voltage. The values range from 0.00625V to 0.50000V with a 0.00625V interval.

Offset Sign [-]


This item appears only when you set the Offset Voltage item to a value other than [Auto].
[+] To offset the voltage by a positive value.
[–] To offset the voltage by a negative value.
Fixed Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage Mode item to [Manual] and allows you
to set a fixed CPU voltage. The values range from 0.85V to 1.7V 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.

3.5.14 IMC Voltage [Auto]


Allows you to set the CPU Integrated Memory Controller voltage. The values range from 1.1V
to 1.7V with a 0.00625V interval.

3.5.15 DRAM Voltage [Auto]


Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.50V to 2.5V* with a 0.0125V
interval.

Chapter 3
• The value [2.5V] of the DRAM Voltage item is supported only if the OV_DRAM switch
is enabled. Otherwise the maximum voltage supported is [2.0V]. This item can be
automatically optimized if you install a XMP DIMM. Refer to 4. DRAM overvoltage
setting switch on page 2-26 for details.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may
damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage
requirement below 1.65V.

3.5.16 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]


Allows you to set the CPU PLL voltage. The values range from 1.8V to 2.1V with a 0.1V interval.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-17


3.5.17 PCH Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.15V
with a 0.10V interval.

• The values of the IMC Voltage, DRAM Voltage, and CPU PLL 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


1.10000V– 1.17500V– 1.23125V– 1.30625V–
IMC Voltage
1.16875V 1.22500V 1.30000V 1.70000V
1.5000V– 1.5750V– 1.6375V– 1.7000V–
DRAM Voltage
1.5625V 1.6250V 1.6875V 2.0000V
DRAM Voltage (OV 1.5000V– 1.5750V– 1.6375V– 1.7000V–
DRAM Enabled) 1.5625V 1.6250V 1.6875V 2.5000V
CPU PLL Voltage 1.80V–1.90V 2.00V–2.10V N/A N/A

3.5.18 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]


Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The values
range from 0.395x to 0.630x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance DRAM
overclocking ability.

3.5.19 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]


Chapter 3

[Auto] BIOS automatically adjusts the voltage.


[Disabled] Follows the Intel specifications.
[Enabled] Improves the CPU VDroop directly.

3.5.20 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]


[Auto] Automatic configuration.
[Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

3.5.21 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]


[Auto] Automatic configuration.
[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.
[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.6 Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

CPU Configuration Configure CPU.


North Bridge Configuration
Onboard Devices Configuration
USB Configuration
PCIPnP

Intel VT-d [Disabled]


T.Probe [Enabled]

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.6.1 CPU Configuration


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.

Chapter 3
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
Configure advanced CPU settings Sets the ratio between
Module Version:01.04 CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
Manufacturer:Intel NOTE: If an invalid
Brand String:Genuine Intel(R) CPU ratio is set in CMOS
Frequency :2.13GHz then actual and
BCLK Speed :133MHz setpoint values may
Cache L1 :128 KB
Cache L2 :1024 KB differ.
Cache L3 :8192 KB
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Min:09, Max:16) NOTE: Please key in
Ratio Actual Value:16 ratio numbers directly

CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] ←→ Select Screen


C1E Support [Enabled] ↑↓ Select Item
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled] F1 General Help
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled] F10 Save and Exit
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled] ESC Exit
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM function [Enabled]

Scroll down to display the following items:


Execute-Disable Bit [Enabled]
Intel(R) HT Technology [Enabled]
Active Processor Cores [All]
A20M [Disabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) Turbo Mode tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-19


CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]
Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

C1E Support [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to
enable the Enhanced Halt Sate.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]


[Enabled] The processor fetches data and instructions from the memory into the
cache that are likely to be required in the near future. This reduces the
latency associated with memory reads.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]


[Enabled] The processor fetches the currently requested cache line, as well as the
subsequent cache line. This reduces the cache latency by making the next
cache line immediately available if the processor requires it as well.
[Disabled] The processor fetches only the currently requested cache line.

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]


[Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs
with extended CPUID functions.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
Chapter 3

[Enabled] Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately


and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

CPU TM function [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
[Disabled] Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).

Intel(R) HT Technology [Enabled]


The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two
threads or processes simultaneously.
[Enabled] Two threads per activated core are enabled.
[Disabled] Only one thread per activated core is enabled.

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


Active Processor Cores [All]
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2]

A20M [Disabled]
[Enabled] Allows Legacy OSes to be compatible with APs.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]


[Enabled] The CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.
[Disabled] The CPU runs at its default speed.

Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]


[Enabled] Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific
condition.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Disabled]


The Intel® C-State Technology allows the CPU to save more power under idle mode.
[Enabled] Enable this item only when you install a C-State Technology-supported
CPU.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

C State package limit setting [Auto]


This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech item to [Enabled]. We
recommend that you set this item to [Auto] for BIOS to automatically detect the C-State mode

Chapter 3
supported by your CPU. Configuration options: [Auto] [C1] [C3] [C6]

3.6.2 North Bridge Configuration


The North Bridge Configuration menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced

North Bridge Chipset Configuration ENABLE: Allow


remapping of
IMC Type : Lynnfield overlapped PCI memory
above the total
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled] physical memory.
PCI MMIO Allocation: 4GB To 3072MB
DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.

Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]


[Disabled] Do not allow remapping of memory.
[Enabled] Allows for the segment of system memory that was previously overwritten
by PCI devices to be remapped above the total physical memory.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-21


3.6.3 Onboard Devices Configuration
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Advanced
Onboard Devices Configuration Options
HDA Controller [Enabled]
Front Panel Type [HD Audio] Enabled
Realtek LAN1 [Enabled] Disabled
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Realtek LAN2 [Enabled]
LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]
J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [IDE Mode]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

HDA Controller [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.

The following item appears only when you set the High Definition Audio item to [Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD Audio]


Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or
high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio
module supports.
[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97
[HD Audio] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.

Realtek LAN1/LAN2 [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the Realtek LAN1/LAN2 controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
Chapter 3

LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]


This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled].
[Enabled] Enables the Realtek Gigabit LAN Boot ROM.
[Disabled] Disables the LAN Boot ROM.

Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.

J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [IDE Mode]


Allows you to select the JMicron eSATA/PATA controller operating mode.
[Disabled] Disables the controller.
[IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices.
[AHCI Mode] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands..

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

3.6.4 USB Configuration


The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and
press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Advanced
USB Configuration Options
Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4
Disabled
USB Devices Enabled: Enabled
2 Hubs

USB Functions [Enabled]


Legacy USB Support [Auto]
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is
detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.
[Disabled] Disables the controllers.

Chapter 3
The following items appear only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].

Legacy USB Support [Auto]


[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
[Disabled] Disables the function.
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand‑off
feature.
[Disabled] Disables the function.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-23


3.6.5 PCIPnP
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings


WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

Plug And Play O/S [No]


[Yes] When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the
operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for
boot.
[No] When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system.

3.6.6 Intel VT-d [Disabled]


[Disabled] Disables the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.
[Enabled] Enables the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.

3.6.7 T.Probe [Enabled]


[Disabled] Disables the T.Probe function.
[Enabled] Enables the T.Probe function that detects and equalizes the temperature of
vCore power components.
Chapter 3

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.7 Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power
Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Select the ACPI state


Suspend Mode [Auto] used for System
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] Suspend.
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
EuP Ready [Disabled]
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]


Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used
for system suspend.
[Auto] The system automatically configures the ACPI suspend mode.
[S1 (POS) only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).
[S3 only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).

3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]


Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

Chapter 3
[No] The system will not invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
[Yes] The system invokes VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]


[Disabled] The system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.
[Enabled] The system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specifications.

3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]


[Disabled] The system disables the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC).
[Enabled] The ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

3.7.5 EuP Ready [Disabled]


[Disabled] Disables the Energy Using Products (EuP) Ready function.
[Enabled] Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for
the EuP requirement. When set to [Enabled], power for WOL, WO_USB,
audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at S5 state.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-25


3.7.6 APM Configuration
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Power
APM Configuration
Options
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power Off
Power On By External Modems [Disabled] Power On
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Last State
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]


[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.
[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was
before the AC power loss.
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.
[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and System
Time will become user-configurable with set values.
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables to power up the computer when the external modem receives a
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
[Enabled] The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a
call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully
running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try. Turning an external modem
off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the
Chapter 3

system power on.

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]


[Disabled] Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.
[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This
feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead.
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
[Enabled] Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.
[Enabled] Sets specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse.
[Enabled] Enables the Power On by a PS/2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX
power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.7.7 Hardware Monitor
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Power

Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature (PECI)


CPU Temperature [35ºC/95ºF]
MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [3590RPM]


CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A]


Chassis Fan 2 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
←→ Select Screen
Power Fan Speed [N/A] ↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
CPU Voltage [ 1.040V] F1 General Help
3.3V Voltage [ 3.008V] F10 Save and Exit
5V Voltage [ 4.776V] ESC Exit
12V Voltage [11.648V]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

CPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]


The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]


Chassis Fan 1/2 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis,
and power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected
speed.

Chapter 3
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on
the CPU temperature.
[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation.
[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]


[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-27


Chassis Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending
on the chassis temperature.
[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.
[Turbo] Sets to [Turbo] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage


The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.

3.8 Boot menu


The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press
<Enter> to display the submenu.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings Specifies the Boot Device


Boot Priority sequence.
Boot Device Priority
A virtual floppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:
Boot Settings Configuration ) may appear when you
Security set the CD-ROM drive
as the first boot
device.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
Chapter 3

F10 Save and Exit


ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority


BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Boot
Boot Device Priority
1st Boot Device [Removable Dev.]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

1st – xxth Boot Device [Removable Dev.]


These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system.
Configuration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.
• To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following:
- Press <F5> when ASUS Logo appears.
- Press <F8> after POST.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.8.2 Boot Settings Configuration
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Boot
Boot Settings Configuration Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
Quick Boot [Enabled] booting. This will
Full Screen Logo [Enabled] decrease the time
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] needed to boot the
Bootup Num-Lock [On] system.
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
POST State LEDs [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]


[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.
[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]


[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.
[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]


[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot
sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Chapter 3
[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]


[Disabled] Disables this function.
[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]


[Disabled] Disables this function.
[Enabled] The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.
POST State LEDs [Enabled]
[Enabled] Turn on onboard device LEDs in the order of the device POST sequence.
[Disabled] Disables this function.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-29


3.8.3 Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item
and press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Boot
Security Settings <Enter> to change
password.
Supervisor Password : Not Installed <Enter> again to
User Password : Not Installed disable password.
Change Supervisor Password
Change User Passward

Change Supervisor Password


Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item
on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item
shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:


1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the password box, key in a password composed of at least six letters and/or
numbers, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press
<Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.

If you have forgotten your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real
Chapter 3

Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change
other security settings.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Boot
Security Settings <Enter> to change
password.
Supervisor Password : Installed <Enter> again to
User Password : Installed disabled password.
Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

User Access Level [Full Access]


This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
[No Access] Prevents user access to the Setup utility.
[View Only] Allows access but does not allow change to any field.
[Limited] Allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
[Full Access] Allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


Change User Password
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the
screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a User Password:
1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password


Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]


[Setup] BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.
[Always] BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting
the system.

Chapter 3

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-31


3.9 Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY


Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS O.C. Profile


Drive Xpert Configuration
AI NET 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2
Express Gate [Auto]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.9.1 ASUS O.C. Profile


This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Tools
O.C. PROFILE Configuration Typing your profile
O.C. Profile 1 Status : Not Installed name, [0-9][a-z][A-Z]
O.C. Profile 2 Status : Not Installed are acceptable.
O.C. Profile 3 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Profile 4 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Profile 5 Status : Not Installed
Chapter 3

O.C. Profile 6 Status : Not Installed


O.C. Profile 7 Status : Not Installed
O.C. Profile 8 Status : Not Installed

Status:

Add Your CMOS Profile. ←→ Select Screen


Name: [Default-Profile] ↑↓ Select Item
Save To: [Uninstalled] F1 General Help
Load CMOS Profiles. F10 Save and Exit
Load From: [Blank] ESC Exit
Start O.C. Profile
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

Add Your CMOS Profile


Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, key in
your profile name and press <Enter>, and then choose a profile number to save your CMOS
settings in the Save to sub-item.

Load CMOS Profiles.


Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to
load the file.

Start O.C. Profile


Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility V1.38

Current CMOS Restore CMOS


BOARD: P7P55D EVO BOARD: Unknown
VER: 0105 VER: Unknown
DATE: 07/08/2009 DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:

Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!
• We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU
configuration and BIOS version.
• Only the CMO file can be loaded.

3.9.2 Drive Xpert Configuration


BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Tools
Drive Xpert configuration Update Drive Xpert

Chapter 3
Mode changes after
Drive Xpert Group : saving changes and
Current Mode :Normal Mode exiting BIOS setup.
Driver Xpert Mode Update: Discard Drive Xpert
Update To Super Speed [Press Enter] Mode changes after
Update To EZ Backup [Press Enter] exiting BIOS setup
Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter] without saving any
changes.
Drive Xpert Device(s) List :
SATA_E1 (Gray) : [ST380817AS]
SATA_E2 (Dark Blue) : [ST380817AS]

• Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA
signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA_E1 (gray) and SATA_E2
(dark blue) connectors.
• You can only make one Drive Xpert change a time before you save BIOS settings and
restart the computer.

Drive Xpert Group:


Current Mode
Displays the current Drive Xpert mode.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-33


Changed Mode
This item appears only when you select a Drive Xpert mode to update and displays the
Drive Xpert mode that you have changed.
Ultra Space
This item appears only when you have created a drive partition using the Ultra Space
function.

Drive Xpert Mode Update:


Update To Super Speed [Press Enter]
Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives as one
single drive partition.

All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed setup.

Update To EZ Backup [Press Enter]


Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an identical
image of data from the SATA_E1 (gray) drive to the SATA_E2 (drak blue) drive.

All original data of the SATA_E2 (dark blue) hard disk will be erased for EZ Backup setup.

Update To Normal Mode [Press Enter]


Allows you to use the SATA_E1 (gray) and SATA_E2 (dark blue) connectors as normal
SATA connectors.

When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the SATA_E1
(gray) connector on the motherboard.
Chapter 3

Create Ultra Space [Press Enter]


This item appears only when you created a Super Speed or a EZ Backup set using
two hard drives with different capacity and allows you to create a single drive
partition using all the drive space unused by Drive Xpert.
Delete Ultra Space [Press Enter]
This item appears only when you have created a drive partition using the Ultra Space
function. All data stored in the Ultra Space partition will be erased.

Drive Xpert Device(s) List:


SATA_E1 (Gray) / SATA_E2 (Dark Blue)
Press <Enter> to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the
SATA_E1 (gray) and SATA_E2 (dark blue) connectors on the motherboard.

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


3.9.3 AI NET 2
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Tools
AI NET 2
Pair Status Length

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]


[Disabled] BIOS will not check the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test
(POST).
[Enabled] BIOS checks the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

3.9.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2


Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message
appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to
confirm your choice.

For more details, refer to section 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.

3.9.5 Express Gate [Auto]


Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate
feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser
and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]


Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first screen before
starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of

Chapter 3
Express Gate for user action.
Configuration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds]
[15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

Reset User Data [No]


Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.
[Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], ensure that you save the setting to the
BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the
Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as
any personal information stored by the web browser such as bookmarks,
cookies, browsing history. This is useful in the rare case where corrupt
settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.
[No] Sets to [No] to disable the Reset User Data function when entering the
Express Gate.

The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after
clearing its settings.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 3-35


3.10 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS
items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY
Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options Exit system setup


after saving the
Exit & Save Changes changes.
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes F10 key can be used
for this operation.
Load Setup Defaults

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes


Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery
sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this
option, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts
Chapter 3

you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter>
to save the changes while exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes


Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and
Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.

Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved
values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any changes
and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults


This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before
saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup


Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system


This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 7
operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to
maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed
information.
• Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

4.2 Support DVD information


The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.

4.2.1 Running the support DVD


Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.

The Drivers menu shows the available The Make Disk menu The Manual menu contains
device drivers if the system detects contains items to the list of supplementary user
installed devices. Install the necessary create the RAID/AHCI manuals. Click an item to open
drivers to use the devices. driver disk. the folder of the user manual.

The Utilities Click the Contact


menu shows the tab to display the
applications and ASUS contact
other software that information.
the motherboard
supports. Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information

Click an item
to install
Chapter 4

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to
locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run
the DVD.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-1


4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.

The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.

1. Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS


Motherboard Utility Guide from
the manual list on the left.

2. The Manual folder of the support


DVD appears. Double-click the
folder of your selected software.

3. Some software manuals are


provided in different languages.
Double-click the language to
show the software manual.
Chapter 4

The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support


4.3 Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software
application for more information.

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II


PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and
alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU
temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based,
you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are
assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.

Launching PC Probe II
1. Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD.
2. Launch PC Probe II by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC
Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.
3. The PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click this icon to close
or restore the application.

PC Probe II main window

Button Function
Opens the Configuration 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
Chapter 4

Shows/Hides the Preference section


Minimizes the application
Closes the application

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-3


4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.

Launching AI Suite
1. Install AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD.
2. Launch AI Suite by clicking Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.
xx. The AI Suite main window appears.

3. The AI Suite icon appears in the Windows® notification area. If you minimize the
application main window, click this icon to restore the window.

Using AI Suite
Click each utility button to launch the utility, or click the Normal button to restore system
default settings.

Click to open the monitor window that displays


system information such as CPU temperature,
CPU voltage, fan speed, and CPU/FSB frequency

Click to restore
default settings

Click to launch
each utility
Chapter 4

• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual utility buttons vary
by models.
• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support


4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert
Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to
different ambient temperatures and your PC’s system loading. The various fan profiles offer
flexible controls of fan speeds to achieve a quiet and cool system environment.

Launching Fan Xpert


After installing AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, launch Fan Xpert by double-
clicking the AI Suite tray icon and then clicking the Fan Xpert button on the AI Suite
main window.

Using Fan Xpert


Click to open the
Calibration window

Click to select a fan

Click to select a Click to display


fan profile the current CPU
temperature and the fan
speed ratio

Click to apply Click to cancel


the settings the settings

Fan profiles
• Disable: disables the Fan Xpert function.
• Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.
Chapter 4

• Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.


• Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.
• Intelligent: automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient
temperature.
• Stable: fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation. The
fan will speed up when the temperature exceeds 70ºC.
• User: allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-5


4.3.4 ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving
solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in
real-time. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the
most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking.
ASUS EPU provides you with these modes to choose from:

• Turbo Mode • Medium Power Saving Mode

• High Performance Mode • Max. Power Saving Mode

When you select Auto Mode , the system shifts modes automatically according to the
current system status. You can also configure advanced settings for each mode.

Launching EPU
After installing EPU from the motherboard support
DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to launch the
program.
The first time you launch EPU, the
following message will appear, asking
you to run Calibration first. Running
calibration allows the system to detect
CPU properties to optimize power
management.
Click Run Calibration and wait for a few seconds. Then, the EPU main menu appears.

EPU main menu


Chapter 4

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support


4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet,
Skype, and viewing your pictures. 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 applications.

Notices about ASUS Express Gate

• Ensure to install ASUS Express Gate from the motherboard support DVD before use.
• ASUS Express Gate supports SATA devices in IDE mode only. See chapter 3 for BIOS
setup details.
• ASUS Express Gate supports SATA devices 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 file uploading from ODD and USB drives and
downloading to USB drives only.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and Flash drives
with at least 1.2GB of available disk space. When installed on USB HDDs and Flash
drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the computer.
• Your monitor must support the screen resolution of 1024 x 768, or ASUS Express
Gate will be skipped during the booting process, and the existing OS will be launched
directly.
• Installation of at least 1GB system memory is recommended for better performance.

The First Screen


Express Gate’s first screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer.

Click any of the application


icons to enter Express Gate
environment and launch the
selected application

Turn off the computer

Continue booting to existing OS when the timer above the Exit icon counts
down to zero (0); click to immediately enter existing OS
Chapter 4

• To enter the motherboard BIOS setup program, click Exit on the Express Gate First
Screen, and then press the <Del> key during POST.

• See the software manual in the bundled motherboard support DVD or click in the
Express Gate environment for detailed software instructions.
• Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. Refer to http://support.asus.com
for Express Gate source codes.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-7


4.3.6 VIA® High Definition Audio utility
The VIA® High Definition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the
ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection,
Multi-Streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking and S/PDIF Out support.
Follow the installation wizard to install the VIA® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD that
came with the motherboard package.
If the VIA audio software is correctly installed, you will find the
VIA HD Audio Deck icon on the Windows® notification area.
Click on the icon to display the VIA HD Audio Deck. VIA HD Audio Deck

A. VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows® Vista™ / Windows® 7™


Device volume control Minimize button

Exit button

Analog
and digital
connector
status Default Device
button

Expert Mode

Software
information

Advanced Options

B. VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows XP

Display panel and


volume control

Configuration Minimize button


options

Control settings
window
Chapter 4

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support


4.3.7 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 configurations. With its
user-friendly graphical user interface, you can easily arrange hard drive backups or enhance
the hard drive’s transfer rate.

Drive Xpert modes


There are three main modes for Drive Xpert: EZ Backup, Super Speed and Normal Mode.
• EZ Backup 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.
• Super Speed allows two hard disks to access data simultaneously. The dual channel
design largely enhances hard disk transfer rate.
• Normal Mode allows you to disable the Drive Xpert function and use the two SATA
connectors as onboard SATA connectors.
If you have created a Drive Xpert set (either Super Speed or EZ Backup) using two hard
drives with different capacity, you can use the Ultra Space function that allows you to
create a single drive partition using all the drive space unused by Drive Xpert.

Before using the Drive Xpert function or changing an existing Drive Xpert mode, ensure
that you have backed up all your data in your 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 configuration.
• Before using the Drive Xpert function, ensure that you have connected the SATA
signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA_E1/E2 connectors.
• The SATA_E1 (gray) and SATA_E2 (dark blue) ports are for SATA hard drives only.
ATAPI devices and hot-plug function are not supported.
• Drive Xpert is available only when the hard disk drives connected to SATA_E1 (gray)
and SATA_E2 (dark blue) are set as data drives.

Launching Drive Xpert in Windows® OS


After installing Drive Xpert from the bundled
support DVD, double-click the Drive Xpert
icon on the Windows® desktop. The main
screen as shown on the right hand side
appears.
Chapter 4

You may use Drive Xpert function in Express Gate and BIOS setup environments. Refer
to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for
detailed software configuration.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-9


4.3.8 ASUS T.Probe
The onboard T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature
in real-time. This feature optimizes the power phase functions, allowing components to run at
lower temperatures and extending their lifespan. You can monitor the power phase loading
and temperature in the Windows® environment with the bundled T.Probe application

Installing ASUS T.Probe


To install ASUS T.Probe 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, and then click ASUS T.Probe.
3. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Before using ASUS T.Probe
You have to configure BIOS settings before using ASUS T.Probe.

1. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility.
2. Set the T.Probe item in the Advanced menu to [Enabled]
3. Save BIOS settings and restart the computer.

Refer to Chapter 3 of the motherboard user manual for detailed instructions of BIOS
settings

Using ASUS T.Probe


Click the T.Probe icon in the Windows® notification area to
launch the T.Probe application.

With T.Probe enabled, the temperature of the power With T.Probe enabled, select “Power Saving Mode” on
phase gradually levels to the center AVG (average) the top-right corner to switch to four phase mode. The
area. temperature of the power phase gradually levels to the
center AVG (average) area.
Chapter 4

The number of the phase bars varies depending on motherboard model.

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support


4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—
TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV and Turbo Key—two powerful tools that allow you to
overclock your system effectively. Install ASUS TurboV EVO from the support DVD that came
with the motherboard package.
If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed, you will find the TurboV EVO icon
on the Windows® notification area. Click on the icon to display the TurboV
EVO control panel.

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV


ASUS TurboV allow you to overclock the BCLK frequency, CPU voltage, IMC voltage, and
DRAM Bus voltage in Windows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and
rebooting the OS.

Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the
system unstable.

For system stability, all changes made in ASUS TurboV (except for Auto Tuning) will not
be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save
Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the
profile after Windows starts.

Easy Mode Auto Tuning Mode

Save the
Manual Mode current
Load profile settings as a
new profile
Target values
Voltage
Start-up values Adjustment
bars

Advanced
CPU, chipset
and DRAM
voltage
settings
Chapter 4

Click to show / hide Click to restore all Undoes all changes without applying
more settings start-up settings
Applies all changes immediately

• Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function
in TurboV. See Chapter 3 for details.
• For advanced overclock ability, adjust first the BIOS items, and then proceed more
detailed adjustments using TurboV.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-11


4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode
The Auto Tuning Mode allows smart auto-overclocking. Follow the instructions below to let
TurboV EVO detect and overclock your system.

1. Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click


Start. You can also click More Setting first
to configure more overclocking parameters
before starting auto-overclocking.

2. Read through the warning messages and


click Yes to start auto-overclocking.

3. An animation appears indicating the


overclocking process. Click Stop if you
want to cancel the current Overclocking
process.

• After pressing Start, the system starts performance tuning and may reboot 2 to 3
times. Please do not operate or manually restart the computer during the tuning
process.
• After restarting OS, a message appears indicating the current overclocking result.
You can click Stop to save the current overclocking setting, or wait for TurboV EVO to
continue system tuning for higher system performance.
• The auto-tuned system performance varies on the installed device (ex., CPU and
Chapter 4

DRAM).
• The auto-tuning function overclocks your system settings. Installation of advanced
cooling systems is recommended.
• The auto-tuned settings will be stored in system BIOS and will be applied in the next
boot.

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support


4.4.3 Using ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to set a group of hot-keys into physical overclocking
buttons. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing
work or games—with just one touch!
If the TurboV EVO is correctly installed, you will find the TurboV EVO icon
on the Windows® notification area. Click on the icon to display the TurboV
EVO control panel. Click the Turbo Key tab to switch to the Turbo Key
interface.

Configuring ASUS Turbo Key

1
2
3
4

1. Select your desired hotkey combination.


2. You can decide the performance boost level by selecting Turbo Key Profile. You can
also load personal profiles saved in the ASUS TurboV utility.
3. Choose whether to show Turbo Key OSD and status.
4. Click Apply to save Turbo Key settings.

You have to press the assigned hotkeys to use the Turbo Key function.

Chapter 4

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-13


4.5 RAID configurations
The motherboard comes with the Intel® P55 chipset that allows you to configure Serial ATA
hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations:
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5.

• You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP2 or later versions.
• Due to Windows® XP / Vista limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB
cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk
only.
• If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS
installation. Refer to section 4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.

4.5.1 RAID definitions


RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
Intel® Matrix Storage. The Intel® Matrix Storage technology supported by the ICH10R chip
allows you to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10 functions to improve both
system performance and data safety. You can also combine two RAID sets to get higher
performance, capacity, or fault tolerance provided by the difference RAID function. For
Chapter 4

example, RAID 0 and RAID 1 set can be created by using only two identical hard disk drives.

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support


4.5.2 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 configuration:
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.

4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS


You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using
SATA HDDs. To do this:
1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Go to the Main menu > Storage Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
3. Set the Configure SATA as item to [RAID].
4. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.

Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.

Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.

4.5.4 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility


To enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility:
1. Turn on the system.
2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1014 PCH-D wRAID5
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume 3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID
2. Delete RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options
5. Exit

[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes:
None defined.

Physical Disks:
Chapter 4

Port Drive Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)


0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-15


The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus
and select the menu options.

The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not
exactly match the items on your screen.

The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.

Creating a RAID volume


To create a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:

Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1014 PCH-D wRAID5


Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name: Volume0
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)
Disks: Select Disks
Strip Size: 128KB
Capacity: 0.0 GB
Sync: N/A
Create Volume

[ HELP ]

Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is


16 characters or less.

[↑↓]Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [ENTER]-Select

2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.


3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID
mode to create, and then press <Enter>.
4. When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want
to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:

[ SELECT DISKS ]
Chapter 4

Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status


0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk

Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.

[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support


5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small
triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.
6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10
and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB
to 128KB. The following are typical values:
RAID 0: 128KB
RAID 10: 64KB
RAID 5: 64KB

We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.

7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want
and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
8. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning
message appears:

WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.


Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):

9. Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back
to the CREATE VOLUME menu.

Chapter 4

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-17


Deleting a RAID set

Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when
you delete a RAID set.

To delete a RAID set:


1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The
following screen appears:
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1014 PCH-D wRAID5
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]
Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) 2 298.0GB Normal Yes

[ HELP ]

Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.

WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.


(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Previous Menu [DEL]-Delete Volume

2. Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press
<Del>. The following warning message appears:
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]

ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!


(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):

3. Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to
return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.

Exiting the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager


To exit the utility:
Chapter 4

1. From the utility main menu, select 4. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following
warning message appears:
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]

Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):

2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support


4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP operating system
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows® Vista or later operating
systems, use either a floppy disk or a USB flash drive with the RAID driver.

• The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.
• Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.6.4 Using a USB
floppy disk drive.

4.6.1 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. When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a 32/64bit Intel AHCI/RAID
driver disk.
7. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.
8. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.

4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®


To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:
1. Start Windows®.
2. Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.
3. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.
4. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver to create an Intel®
RAID driver disk.
5. Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.
6. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.

Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.

4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation


Chapter 4

To install the RAID driver for 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>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.
3. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, ensure that you select Intel(R)
ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID Controller.
4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-19


To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista or later OS
1. Insert the floppy disk or USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive
or USB port.
2. During the OS installation, select Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID
Controller.
3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

4.6.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive


Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:

1. Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk
containing the RAID driver.

2. Right-click My Computer on the


Windows® desktop or start menu,
and then select Manage from the
pop-up window.

or

3. Select Device Manager. From the


Universal Serial Bus controllers,
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and
then select Properties from the pop-up
window.

The name of the USB floppy disk


drive varies with different vendors.

4. Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)


and Product ID (PID) are displayed.
Chapter 4

4-20 Chapter 4: Software support


5. Browse the contents of the RAID driver
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.
6. Double-click the file. A window appears,
allowing you to select the program for
opening the oem file.

7. Use Notepad to open the file.

8. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_PCH] and


[HardwareIds.scsi.iastor_8R9R10RDOPCH] sections in the txtsetup.oem file.
9. Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”

[HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_PCH]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3A22&CC_0106”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”

[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_8R9R10RDOPCH]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_3A22&CC_0106”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
Chapter 4

Add the same line to both sections.

The VID and PID vary with different vendors.

10. Save and exit the file.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 4-21


Chapter 4

4-22 Chapter 4: Software support


Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology


The motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install
multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in
this section.

5.1.1 Requirements
• In Dual CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics
cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are ATI® certified.
• In Triple CrossFireX mode, you should have three identical CrossFireX-ready graphics
cards that are ATI® certified.
• Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology.
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
• Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power
required by your system. See page 2-38 for details.

• We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
• The ATI Triple CrossFireX technology is currently supported by Windows® Vista
operating system only.
• Visit the ATI Game website (http://game.amd.com) for the latest certified graphics card
and the supported 3D application list.

5.1.2 Before you begin


For ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers
before installing ATI CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers:

1. Close all current applications.


2. For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
3. Select your current graphics card driver/s.
4. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.
For Windows Vista, select Uninstall.
5. Turn off your computer.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 5-1


5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards

The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
Chapter 5

1. Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics


cards.
2. Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots
recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly
seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX
bridge connector to the goldfingers on
each graphics card. Ensure that the
connector is firmly in place.

goldfingers
CrossFireX bridge
(bundled with
graphics cards)

5. Connect two independent auxiliary power


sources from the power supply to the two
graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the
graphics card.

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support


5.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards
1. Prepare three CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more
than three PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the

Chapter 5
PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.

4. Align and firmly insert the two CrossFireX


bridge connectors to the goldfingers
on each graphics card. Ensure that the
connectors are firmly in place.

5. Connect three independent auxiliary


power sources from the power supply to
the three graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the
graphics card.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 5-3


5.1.5 Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device
drivers.
Chapter 5

• Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the ATI® CrossFireX™
technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
• If you are using a Triple CrossFireX system, ensure to install the ATI Catalyst® driver
under Windows® Vista™ OS. The ATI Triple CrossFireX technology is currently
supported by Windows® Vista™ only.

5.1.6 Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology


After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature
through the ATI Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.

Launching the ATI Catalyst Control Center

To launch the ATI Catalyst Control Center:

1. Right-click on the Windows® desktop and select


Catalyst(TM) Control Center. You can also
right-click the ATI icon in the Windows notification
area and select Cayalist Control Center.

2. The Catalyst Control Center Setup


Assistant appears when the system
detects the existance of multi-graphics
cards. Click Go to continue to the
Catalyst Control Center Advanced
View window.

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support


Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology

1. In the Catalyst Control Center window,


click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX >

Chapter 5
Configure.
2. From the Graphics Adapter list, select
the graphics card to act as the display
2
GPU.
3. Select Enable CrossFireX.
4. Click Apply, and then click OK to exit
1 3
the window.

Enabling Triple CrossFireX technology

1. In the Catalyst Control Center window,


click Graphics Settings > CrossFireX >
Configure.
2. From the Graphics Adapter list, select
the graphics card to act as the display
2
GPU.
3. Select Enable CrossFireX.
1 3
4. From the list, select the appropriate GPU
combination to apply the CrossFireX
technology. 4
5. Click Apply, and then click OK to exit
the window. 5

ASUS P7P55D EVO 5-5


5.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that
allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the
installation procedures in this section.

5.2.1 Requirements
Chapter 5

• In SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®
certified.
• Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download
the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
• Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power
required by your system. See Chapter 2 for details.

• We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
• Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics
card and supported 3D application list.

5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards


The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard
layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.

1. Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.


2. Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots
recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated
on the slots.

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support


4. Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics
card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two
graphics cards separately.

Chapter 5
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.

SLI bridge

Goldfingers

5.2.3 Installing the device drivers


Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device
drivers.

Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology.
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).

5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology


After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA®
Control Panel under the Windows® Vista™ operating system.

Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel


You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.

A. Right click on the empty space of the Windows® desktop


and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step B5).

ASUS P7P55D EVO 5-7


B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step
(A), select Personalize.
Chapter 5

B2. From the Personalization window,


select Display Settings.

B3. From the Display Settings dialog box,


click Advanced Settings.

5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support


B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and
then click Start the NVIDIA Control
Panel.

Chapter 5
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window
appears.

Enabling SLI settings


From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select
Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI
and set the display for viewing SLI rendered
content. When done, click Apply.

ASUS P7P55D EVO 5-9


Chapter 5

5-10 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support

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