Motherboard H81M-K
E8601 First Edition August 2013 Copyright © 2013 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....................................................................................................... iv About this guide.......................................................................................................... iv Package contents........................................................................................................ vi H81M-K specifications summary...............................................................................
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.
Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. 2. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. 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.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS H81M-K motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x I/O Shield Application DVD Support DVD Documentation User Guide If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. H81M-K specifications summary CPU LGA1150 socket for Intel® 4th Generation CoreTM i7/ i5 / i3, Pentium® and Celeron® Processors Supports 22nm CPU Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.
H81M-K specifications summary LAN Realtek® RTL8111G Gigabit LAN Controller Audio Realtek® ALC887 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC - Supports Jack-Detection and Front Panel Jack-Retasking USB ASUS unique features * Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output Intel® H81 Express Chipset - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at rear panel (blue)* - 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at the rear panel) * Supports ASUS USB 3.
H81M-K specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Support DVD 64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.7, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3, My Favorites, Quick Note, Last Modified Log, F12 PrintScreen, F3 Shortcut functions and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information WfM 2.0, DMI 2.
Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1 Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. 1.2 • 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.
1.2.2 Screw holes Place six 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.
1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 17.5cm(6.9in) 4 3 5 CPU_FAN KBMS CHA_FAN 22.6cm(8.
1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. Keyboard and USB device wakeup (3-pin PS2_USBPW1~4) 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-17 4. Intel® LGA1150 CPU socket 1-4 3. 5. 6. 1-12 CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) DDR3 DIMM slots 1-16 1-7 Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-17 7. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-19 9. Intel® H81 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connector (7-pin SATA3G_1~2 [dark brown]) 1-18 8.
1.3.
1.3.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly 2 1 A B B A 1.4 1.4.1 System memory Overview This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot. DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 According to Intel® CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the CPU.
• • • • 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® chipset limitations, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on XMP mode will run at the maximum transfer rate of DDR3 1600MHz. Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
2 DIMM notch 1 1 DIMM slot key 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 in the wrong direction 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. 3 Locked Retaining Clip 1.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
1.5.1 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. 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. 5.
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. CLRTC H81M-K 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC H81M-K Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. Keyboard and USB device wake-up (3-pin PS2_KBPW1~4) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the keyboard. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. 2 1 H81M-K 2 3 PS2_USBPW1-4 +5V +5VSB (Default) H81M-K Keyboard and USB device wake-up 3.
1.7 1.7.1 Connectors Rear panel connectors 2 1 10 9 8 7 6 3 4 5 1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1-channel configuration Port Light Blue (Rear panel) Lime (Rear panel) Pink (Rear panel) Lime (Front panel) Headset 2.1-channel 4.1-channel 5.1-channel 7.1-channel Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Line Out Mic In — Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center — — Side Speaker Out For an 8-channel speaker setup, refer to the 7.1-channel configuration in the table. 1-14 6. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4.
1.7.2 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR 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. AGND NC SENSE1_RETUR 1.
3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CPU_FAN H81M-K VCC CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND CHA_FAN H81M-K CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
5. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Intel® H81 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G 1~2 [dark brown]) These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables. GND RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND SATA3G_1 H81M-K SATA3G_2 GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND 7. H81M-K SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [AHCI]. Intel® H81 Serial ATA 6.
9. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL PWR_LED+ PWR_LEDPWR GND +PWR LED PWR BTN HDD_LED+ HDD_LEDGround HWRST# (NC) PIN 1 H81M-K +HDD_LED RESET H81M-K System panel connector • • • • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
1.8 1. Onboard LEDs Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
1.9 1.9.1 Software support Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 7 (32bit/64bit) and Windows® 8 (32bit/64bit) Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information. 1.9.
1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction
BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 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 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved BIOS and select a boot logo when the system goes into POST.
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. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 2-2 1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. 2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to enable it. 3.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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 updated BIOS file. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device to H81MK.CAP. • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version.
Booting the system in DOS environment 1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port. 2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device. 3. Select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number. 4.
3. Press to switch between screen fields and use the keys to select the BIOS file and press . BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file and prompts you to confirm BIOS update. 4. Select Yes and press . When BIOS update is done, press to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your computer. DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! 2.2 • For BIOS Updater version 1.
Using the power button, reset button, or the ++ keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.
Selects the display language of the BIOS setup program Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature, CPU/5V/3.
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.
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. 2.4 • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.6 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
Scroll down to display the following items: 2-10 Chapter 2: Getting started
Scroll down to display the following items: 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.
2.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
2.8 Tools menu 2.9 Exit menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. 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.
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.
A-4 Appendices (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Signature : Date : Representative Person’s Name : Aug. 28, 2013 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.
