Motherboard P8H61-M2/TPM/SI P8H61-M2/SI P8H61-M2/C/SI
E7818 Second Edition (V2) October 2012 Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Safety information....................................................................................... vi About this guide......................................................................................... vii P8H61-M2 series specifications summary................................................ ix Chapter 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Before you proceed...................................................................... 1-1 Motherboard overview..............................................
Contents 2.3.1 System Language [English]........................................... 2-10 2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx].................................................. 2-10 2.3.2 2.4 2.3.4 2.4.1 Memory Frequency [Auto].............................................. 2-12 2.4.3 GPU Boost..................................................................... 2-12 2.4.4 2.4.5 iGPU Max. Frequency [Auto]......................................... 2-12 DRAM Timing Control.....................................
Contents 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility.................................................... 2-25 2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile.......................................................... 2-25 2.8.2 2.9 ASUS SPD Information.................................................. 2-25 Exit menu.....................................................................................
Safety information Electrical safety • • • • • • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
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: BIOS information This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
P8H61-M2 series specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphics Storage LAN LGA1155 socket for Intel® Second Generation Core™ Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 Processors Supports 32nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 * The Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types. ** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
P8H61-M2 series specifications summary Audio USB ASUS Special features Internal connectors Rear panel ports BIOS features Accessories Support DVD Form factor VIA® VT1708S 8-Channel Audio CODEC - S/PDIF out header - Supports Jack-Dection, Multi-streaming, Front Panel JackRetasking (HD only) * Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output. 10 x USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61-M2 Series motherboard! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your motherboard package. Refer to page ix for the list of accessories. P8H61-M2 Series motherboards include P8H61-M2/TPM/SI, P8H61-M2/SI and P8H61M2/C/SI three models. The layouts vary from models. The layout illustrations in this user manual are for P8H61-M2/TPM/SI only.
1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Motherboard layout Ensure that you install the motherboard into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. 1 2 3 2 4 5 22.9cm(9.0in) KB_USB56 CPU_FAN TPM COM1 DVI Super I/O EPU DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module) 6 CHA_FAN LAN1_USB12 24.4cm(9.6in) LPT EATXPWR USB34 DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module) LGA1155 Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® Second Generation Core™i5/ Core™i3 processors. • 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.
1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered 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.
DDR3-1333MHz capability SS/ Chip DS Brand Vendors Part No. Size Chip NO. Timing Voltage A-Data AD31333G001GOU 3GB(3 x SS 1GB) A-Data AD31333002GOU 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85V A-Data AD30908C8D-151C E0903 A-Data Crucial AXDU1333GC2G92G(XMP) AD63I1C1624EV 78.A1GC6.9L1 78.A1GC6.9L1 78.B1GDE.9L10C TWIN3X20481333C9DHX G CT25664BA1339.16FF BL25664BN1337.
The following table shows the way to use DIMM slots: DIMM_A1 1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 2 SS 3 SS 4 DS SS 5 DS 6 7 DIMM-B2 SS DS SS SS: Single -sided SS DS SS SS DS: Double-sided SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory configuration. • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration.
1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.6 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. P8H61-M2/TPM/SI 1 2 CLRTC Normal (Default) 2 3 Clear RTC P8H61-M2/TPM/SI Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1.
1.7 Connectors 1.7.1 Rear panel ports 1 1. 2. 3 4 2 10 9 8 5 6 7 PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse COMBO port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard/mouse. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
8. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 9. DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. 10. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 1.7.2 1. Internal connectors ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs.
2. CPU and Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
4. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT is standardized as IEEE 1284, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. LPT P8H61-M2/TPM/SI SLCT PE BUSY ACK# PD7 PD6 PD5 PD4 PD3 PD2 PD1 PD0 STB# GND GND GND GND GND GND GND GND SLIN# INIT# ERR# AFD PIN 1 P8H61-M2/TPM/SI Parallel Port Connector 5. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
Serial ATA 3G connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with the Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA (133 MB/s).
8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910) 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 480Mbps connection speed. USB78 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND P8H61-M2/TPM/SI USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC USB910 P8H61-M2/TPM/SI USB2.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. +5V 10. P8H61-M2/TPM/SI SPDIF_OUT P8H61-M2/TPM/SI Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 11. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® Vista/7 operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information. • Ensure that you install Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability. 1.8.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file Select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. a. 3. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. b. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility.
3. 4. 5. 6. Press to switch to the Drive field. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press . Press to switch to the Folder Info field. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press to perform the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done. • This function supports USB flash disks with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
3. 4. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press to switch the disk from Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive). Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)! C:\>d: D:\> Backing up the current BIOS To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has at least 4096KB free space to save the file. 1.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press . D:\>bupdater /pc /g 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.07 Current ROM BOARD: P8H61-M2-TPM/SI VER: 0203 DATE: 03/25/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ P8H61MTS.ROM A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move 3.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
BIOS menu screen The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen. EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority.
Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.
Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. Back button This button appears when entering a submenu. Press or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.
2.3 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Main Ai Tweaker Exit Advanced Monitor BIOS Information BIOS Version Build Date ME Version 0203 x64 03/25/2011 7.0.4.1197 CPU Information Genuine Intel(R) CPU 0 @ 3.
Administrator Password If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected fields in the BIOS setup program. To set an administrator password: 1. Select the Administrator Password item and press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . To change an administrator password: 1. 2. 3. 4.
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Exit Advanced Monitor Target DRAM Speed: 1333MHz Memory Frequency iGPU Max.
2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press . Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings. 2.4.5 CPU Power Management The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.
2.5 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.
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down. Disables the CPU thermal monitor function. Active Processor Cores [All] Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3] Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions. [Disabled] Disables this function.
2.5.3 System Agent Configuration The System Agent Configuration menu allows you to change the northbridge chipset settings. Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI] Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [iGPU] [PCI/iGPU] [PCI/PEG] [PEG/iGPU] [PEG/PCI] iGPU Memory [64M] Allows you to set the Internal Graphics Device share memory size.
Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced] This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode]. [Disabled] Disables the SATA function. [Enhanced] Set to [Enhanced] to support more than four SATA devices. S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [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. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.
Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the Realtek LAN Controller item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the Rom Help of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Serial Port Configuration The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the serial port configuration. Serial Port [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the serial port (COM).
2.5.8 APM Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] [Power Off] [Last State] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss. The system goes into off state after an AC power loss. The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss. Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard. Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.
2.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
2.6.3 [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed.
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.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Bootup NumLock State Full Screen Logo Wait For ‘F1’ If Error Exit Monitor On Boot Tool Select the keyboard NumLock state Enabled Enabled Option ROM Messages Setup Mode Force BIOS EZ Mode Boot Option Priorities Boot Override →←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt.
2.7.3 Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] 2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]. [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence. The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so. 2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] 2.7.
2.8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Exit Monitor Boot Tool Be used to update BIOS > ASUS EZ Flash Utility > ASUS SPD Information > ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen appears. For more details, refer to section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.
2.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. Exit Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
Appendices 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. 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.
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.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com.tw +86-21-38429911 support.asus.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : Apr. 15, 2011 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
ASUS P8H61-M2 Series A-5 (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Appendices Date : Signature : Representative Person’s Name : May 03, 2011 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
(510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Date : Signature : Representative Person’s Name : Dec. 21, 2011 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
