ASUS Desktop PC M51AC User Manual
E7951 First Edition V1 March 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 Notices ........................................................................................................... 5 Safety information........................................................................................... 8 Conventions used in this guide....................................................................... 9 Where to find more information...................................................................... 9 Package contents..................................................
Contents Chapter 6: Using the utilities ASUS AI Suite II............................................................................................ 53 ASUS Smart Cooling System (optional)....................................................... 60 Recovering your system............................................................................... 62 Chapter 7: Troubleshooting Troubleshooting............................................................................................
Notices ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components, as well as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for the detailed recycling information in different regions.
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s).
RF Equipment Notices CE: European Community Compliance Statement The equipment complies with the RF Exposure Requirement 1999/519/EC, Council Recommendation of 12 July 1999 on the limitation of exposure of the general public to electromagnetic fields (0–300 GHz). This wireless device complies with the R&TTE Directive. Wireless Radio Use This device is restricted to indoor use when operating in the 5.15 to 5.25 GHz frequency band.
Safety information Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Desktop PC using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth. • • • • • • • • • • • • • DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been damaged. DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
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.
Package contents ASUS Desktop PC Mouse x1 Keyboard x1 Power cord x1 DVD/SDVD/RDVD x1 (optional) Warranty card x1 Antenna x 1 (optional) Antennas x 2 (optional) Installation Guide Installation Guide x1 • If any of the above items are damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
Chapter 1 Getting started Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the ASUS M51AC Desktop PC! The ASUS M51AC Desktop PC provides cutting-edge performance, uncompromised reliability, and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a stunningly futuristic and stylish system casing. Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Desktop PC. Getting to know your computer Illustrations are for reference only. The ports and their locations, and the chassis color vary with different models.
ENGLISH USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. • DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows® operating system. • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.
ENGLISH Rear panel Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector. RATING: 115Vac/220-230Vac, 7A/4A, 60/50Hz. Power switch (on selected models only). Switch to turn ON/OFF the power supply to your computer. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. DisplayPort. This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system. DVI-D port.
ENGLISH USB 3.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) ports connect to USB 3.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. • DO NOT connect a keyboard / mouse to any USB 3.0 port when installing Windows® operating system. • Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation. • USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only. • We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.
ENGLISH Expansion slot bracket. Remove the expansion slot bracket when installing an expansion card. ASUS WLAN Card (on selected models only). This optional WLAN card allows your computer to connect to a wireless network. ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only). The display output ports on this optional ASUS Graphics Card may vary with different models. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
ENGLISH PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector, and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray, and other protected content. Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation. DO NOT block the air vents on the chassis. Always provide proper ventilation for your computer.
Using the onboard display output ports ENGLISH Connect your monitor to the onboard display output port. To connect an external monitor using the onboard display output ports: 1. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, or a DVI-D monitor to the DVI-D port, or an HDMI monitor to the HDMI port on the rear panel of your computer. 2. Plug the monitor to a power source. • If your computer comes with an ASUS Graphics Card, the graphics card is set as the primary display device in the BIOS.
Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse ENGLISH Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your computer. ` Connect your USB keyboard and USB mouse to the USB 2.0 ports. Connecting the power cord Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a power source.
Turning your computer ON This section describes how to turn on your computer after setting up your computer. 1. Turn on the power switch. 2. Turn your monitor ON. 3. Press the power button on your computer. ENGLISH To turn your computer ON: Power button 4. Wait until the operating system loads automatically. For details on shutting down your Desktop PC, refer to the section Turning your Desktop PC OFF in Chapter 2.
ENGLISH 20 Chapter 1: Getting started
Chapter 2 ENGLISH Using Windows® 8 Starting for the first time When you start your computer for the first time, a series of screens appear to guide you in configuring the basic settings of your Windows® 8 operating system. To start for the first time: 1. Turn your computer on. Wait for a few minutes until the setup screen appears. 2. Carefully read the license terms. Tick I accept the license terms for using Windows and click Accept. 3. 4.
Using the Windows® UI ENGLISH The Windows® User Interface (UI) is the tile-based display used in Windows® 8. It includes the following features you can use while working on your Desktop PC. Start screen The Start screen appears after successfully signing in to your user account. It helps organize all the programs and applications you need in just one place. You can press the Windows key to launch the Start screen from any apps.
Hotspots ENGLISH Onscreen hotspots allow you to launch programs and access the settings of your Desktop PC. The functions in these hotspots can be activated using your mouse. Hotspots on a running app Hotspots on the Start screen Refer to the next page for the Hotspots’ functions.
ENGLISH Hotspot upper left corner Action Hover your mouse pointer then click on the recent app’s thumbnail to go back to that app. Move your mouse pointer down to display all the running apps. lower left corner From a running app screen: Hover your mouse pointer then click on the Start screen’s thumbnail to go back to the Start screen. NOTE: You can also press the Windows key your keyboard to go back to the Start screen.
Working with Windows® apps Use your Desktop PC’s keyboard or mouse to launch and customize your apps. • Position your mouse pointer on an app then left-click once to launch it. • Press twice then use the arrow keys to browse through the apps. Press to launch your selected app. ENGLISH Launching apps Customizing apps You can move, resize, or unpin apps from the Start screen using the following steps. • To move an app, drag and drop the app to a new location.
Accessing the All Apps screen ENGLISH From the All Apps screen, you can configure an apps settings or pin an app to the Start screen or to the Desktop mode taskbar. Launching the All Apps screen Right-click on the Start screen or press + , and click the All Apps icon. Pinning an app on the Start screen 26 1. Launch the All Apps screen. 2. From the All Apps screen, right-click an app to display its settings bar. 3. From the settings bar, click Pin to Start.
Charm bar ENGLISH The Charm bar is a toolbar that can be triggered on the right side of your screen. It consists of several tools that allow you to share applications and provide quick access for customizing the settings of your Desktop PC. Charm Bar Launching the Charm bar When called out, the Charm bar initially appears as a set of white icons. The image above shows how the Charm bar looks like once activated. Use your Desktop PC’s mouse or keyboard to launch the Charm bar.
ENGLISH Inside the Charm bar Search This tool allows you to look for files, applications, or programs in your Desktop PC. Share This tool allows you to share applications via social networking sites or email. Start This tool reverts the display back to the Start screen. From the Start screen, you can also use this to revert back to a recently opened app. Devices This tool allows you to access and share files with the devices attached to your Desktop PC such as an external display or printer.
Snap feature ENGLISH The Snap feature displays two apps side-by-side, allowing you to work or switch between apps. A screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768 pixels is required to use the Snap feature. Snap bar Using Snap To use Snap: 1. Use your Desktop PC’s mouse or keyboard to activate Snap onscreen. Using your mouse a) Click on an app to launch it. b) Hover the mouse pointer on the top side of your screen.
Other keyboard shortcuts ENGLISH Using your keyboard, you can also use the following shortcuts to help you launch applications and navigate Windows® 8. Switches between the Start screen and the last running app. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 30 Launches the desktop. Launches the Computer window on the desktop. Opens the File search pane. Opens the Share pane. Opens the Settings pane. Opens the Devices pane. Activates the Lock screen.
+ <-> + <,> + + Launches the magnifier and zooms in your screen. ENGLISH + <+> Zooms out your screen. Allows you to peek at the desktop. Opens the Narrator Settings. Enables the print screen function. Turning your Desktop �������������� PC���� OFF To turn your Desktop PC OFF: Do any of the following to shut down your Desktop PC: • From the Charm bar, click Settings > Power > Shut down to do a normal shutdown. • • From the login screen, click Power > Shutdown.
Entering the BIOS Setup ENGLISH BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings that are needed for system startup in the Desktop PC. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimal performance. Do 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.
Chapter 3 ENGLISH Connecting devices to your computer Connecting a USB storage device This desktop PC provides USB 2.0/1.1/3.0 ports on both the front and rear panels. The USB ports allow you to connect USB devices such as storage devices. To connect a USB storage device: • Insert the USB storage device to your computer. Front panel Rear panel You can connect your USB storage devices to the USB 3.0 ports. To remove a USB storage device: 1.
Connecting microphone and speakers ENGLISH This desktop PC comes with microphone ports and speaker ports on both the front and rear panels. The audio I/O ports located on the rear panel allow you to connect 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel stereo speakers.
ENGLISH Connecting 4-channel Speakers Connecting 6-channel Speakers ASUS M51AC 35
Connecting 8-channel Speakers ENGLISH 36 Chapter 3: Connecting devices to your computer
Connecting multiple external displays ENGLISH Your desktop PC may come with VGA, HDMI, or DVI ports and allows you to connect multiple external displays. When a graphics card is installed in your computer, connect the monitors on the output ports of the graphics card. Setting up multiple displays When using multiple monitors, you are allowed to set display modes. You can use the additional monitor as a duplicate of your main display, or as an extension to enlarge your Windows desktop.
ENGLISH 3. Turn on your computer. 4. Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: From the Start screen a) Launch the All Apps screen and pin Control Panel on the Start screen. For details, refer to Pinning an app on the Start screen from the section Working with Windows® apps. b) From the Control Panel, click Adjust screen resolution under Appearance and Personalization. From the Desktop mode screen a) Launch the Desktop mode from the Start screen.
Connecting an HDTV ENGLISH Connect a High Definition TV (HDTV) to the HDMI port of your computer. • You need an HDMI cable to connect the HDTV and the computer. The HDMI cable is purchased separately. • To get the best display performance, ensure that your HDMI cable is less than 15 meters.
ENGLISH 40 Chapter 3: Connecting devices to your computer
Chapter 4 ENGLISH Using your computer Proper posture when using your Desktop PC When using your Desktop PC, maintaining the proper posture is necessary to prevent strain to your wrists, hands, and other joints or muscles. This section provides you with tips on avoiding physical discomfort and possible injury while using and fully enjoying your Desktop PC.
Using the memory card reader ENGLISH Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards to store digital picture or media files. The built-in memory card reader on the front panel of your system allows you to read from and write to different memory card drives. To use the memory card: 1. Insert the memory card into the card slot. • A memory card is keyed so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a card into a slot to avoid damaging the card.
ENGLISH Using the optical drive 2 1 3 Inserting an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1. While your system is on, press the eject button below the drive bay cover to open the tray. 2. Place the disc to the optical drive with the label side facing up. 3. Push the tray to close it. 4. Select a program from the AutoPlay window to access your files.
Using the keyboard (on selected models only) ENGLISH The keyboard varies with models. The illustrations on this section are for reference only. ASUS KB34211 modern wired keyboard Hot keys Description Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Decreases the system volume. Increases the system volume.
Chapter 5 ENGLISH Connecting to the Internet Wired connection Use an RJ-45 cable to connect your computer to a DSL/cable modem or a local area network (LAN). Connecting via a DSL/cable modem To connect via a DSL/cable modem: 1. Set up your DSL/cable modem. Refer to the documentation that came with your DSL/cable modem. 2. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a DSL/cable modem. Modem RJ-45 cable 3.
Connecting via a local area network (LAN) ENGLISH To connect via a LAN: 1. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to your LAN. RJ-45 cable 2. Turn on your computer. 3. Configure the necessary Internet connection settings. LAN • For more details, refer to the sections Configuring a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection or Configuring a static IP network connection.
Configuring a dynamic IP/PPPoE network connection 1. From the Start screen, click Desktop to launch the Desktop mode. 2. From the Windows® taskbar, right-click the network icon and Sharing Center. 3. From the Open Network and Sharing Center screen, click Change Adapter settings. 4. Right-click on your LAN and select Properties. 5. Click Internet Protocol Version 4(TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
6. Click Obtain an IP address automatically and click OK. ENGLISH Continue to the next steps if you are using PPPoE connection. 48 7. Return to the Network and Sharing Center and then click Set up a new connection or network. 8. Select Connect to the Internet and click Next.
Select Broadband (PPPoE) and click Next. 10. Enter your User name and, Password, and Connection name. Click Connect. 11. Click Close to finish the configuration. 12. Click the network icon in the taskbar and click the connection you just created. 13. Enter your user name and password. Click Connect to connect to the Internet. ENGLISH 9. Configuring a static IP network connection To configure a static IP network connection: 1.
Wi-Fi connection (on selected models only) Connect your computer to the Internet through a wireless connection. ENGLISH To establish a Wi-Fi connection, you need to connect to a wireless access point (AP). Wireless AP Modem • To increase the range and sensitivity of the wireless radio signal, connect the external antennas to the antenna connectors on the ASUS WLAN Card. • Place the antennas on the top of your computer for the best wireless performance. • The external antennas are optional items.
To connect to a Wi-Fi network: Do any of the following to launch the Charm bar from the Start screen or from any application mode: a) Hover you mouse pointer on the upper or lower right of the screen. b) On your keyboard, press ENGLISH 1. + . Charm Bar 2. From the Charm bar, select Settings and click the network icon 3. Select the network that you want to connect to from the list. 4. Click Connect. ASUS M51AC .
ENGLISH 52 Chapter 5: Connecting to the Internet
Chapter 6 ENGLISH Using the utilities The Support DVD and Recovery DVD may not be included in the package. For more details on the recovery options in Windows® 8, refer to Recovering your system in this chapter. ASUS AI Suite II ASUS AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. This utility is pre-installed on some models.
The Tool menu ENGLISH The Tool menu includes the EPU, Probe II, and Sensor Recorder panels. Launching and configuring EPU EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total power-saving solution. It detects the current loading and intelligently adjusts the power usage in real-time. When you select the Auto mode, the system changes modes automatically according to the current system status.
Launching and configuring Probe II ENGLISH Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition. To launch Probe II: • Click Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Launching and configuring Sensor Recorder ENGLISH Sensor Recorder allows you to monitor the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed, as well as recording the changes. To launch Sensor Recorder: • Click Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar. To configure Sensor Recorder: • Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs and select the sensors that you want to monitor. • The History Record tab allows you to record the changes in the sensors that you enable.
The Monitor menu ENGLISH The Monitor menu includes the Sensor and CPU Frequency panels. Launching Sensor The Sensor panel displays the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. To launch Sensor: • Click Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar. Launching CPU Frequency The CPU Frequency panel displays the current CPU frequency and CPU usage. To launch CPU frequency: • Click Monitor > CPU Frequency on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
ENGLISH Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. 2. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, click Open, and click Next. 3. Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo, which is the image appearing on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST). Otherwise, click No. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
The System Information screen • Click the MB tab to see the details on the motherboard manufacturer, product name, version, and BIOS. • Click the CPU tab to see the details on the processor and the Cache. • Click the Memory tab and then select the memory slot to see the details on the memory module installed on the corresponding slot. • Click the Disk tab and then select each disk to see the details on it.
ASUS Smart Cooling System (optional) ENGLISH ASUS Smart Cooling System is an optional feature on selected models and may be purchased separately. Configuring the UEFI BIOS models ASUS Smart Cooling System maintains the internal system components through its air circulation after each system boot up. Follow these steps to configure this feature: 1. Enter the BIOS Setup program. For details, refer to the section Entering the BIOS Setup in Chapter 2. 2.
From the Monitor menu, select Clean Level and press to display its configuration options. 4. Select your preferred option from Clean Level’s four configuration options: ENGLISH 3. 5. • Disable: Disables the fan system and the fan operates under the Q-Fan settings. • Silent: 40% of the fan’s performance (poor performance but low noise) • Optimal: 70% of the fan’s performance (standard setting).
Recovering your system ENGLISH Resetting your PC The Reset your PC option restores your PC to its factory default settings. Back up all your data before using this option. To reset your PC: 1. Press during bootup. 2. From the screen, click Troubleshoot. 3. Select Reset your PC. 4. Click Next. 5. Select Only the drive where the Windows is installed. 6. Select Just remove my files. 7. Click Reset.
Click Recovery > Create a recovery drive. 4. Click Copy the recovery partition from the PC to the recovery drive and then click Next. 5. Select the USB storage device where you want to copy the recovery files. 6. Click Next. 7. Click Create. Wait for a while for the process to complete. 8. When the process is completed, click Finish. ASUS M51AC ENGLISH 3.
Removing everything and reinstalling Windows ENGLISH Restoring your PC to its original factory settings can be done using the Remove everything and reinstall option in PC Settings. Refer to the steps below to use this option. Back up all your data before using this option. This process may take a while to complete. 64 1. Launch the Charm bar. 2. Click Settings > Change PC Settings > General. 3. Scroll down to view the Remove everything and reinstall Windows option.
Chapter 7 ENGLISH Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter presents some problems you might encounter and the possible solutions. ? ? My computer cannot be powered on and the power LED on the front panel does not light up. • Check if your computer is properly connected. • Check if the wall outlet is functioning. • Check if the Power Supply Unit is switched on. Refer to the section Turning your computer ON in Chapter 1. My computer hangs.
? ENGLISH ? ? ? No display on the monitor. • Check if the monitor is powered on. • Ensure that your monitor is properly connected to the video output port on your computer. • If your computer comes with a discrete graphics card, ensure that you connect your monitor to a video output port on the discrete graphics card. • Check if any of the pins on the monitor video connector is bent. If you discover bent pins, replace the monitor video connector cable.
The picture on the HDTV is distorted. • It is caused by the different resolutions of your monitor and your HDTV. Adjust the screen resolution to fit your HDTV. To change the screen resolution: 1. ENGLISH ? Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: From the Start screen ������������������������������������������������������������������������� a) Launch the All Apps screen and pin Control Panel on the Start screen.
ENGLISH ? ? The DVD drive cannot read a disc. • Check if the disc is placed with the label side facing up. • Check if the disc is centered in the tray, especially for the discs with non-standard size or shape. • Check if the disc is scratched or damaged. 1. Hover your mouse pointer over the lower left corner of Windows® desktop then right-click on the Start screen’s thumbnail. From the popup menu, click File Explorer to open the Computer screen. 2.
Problem Cannot access the Internet Possible Cause Action LAN cable problems Ensure the LAN LED is on. If not, try another LAN cable. If it still does not work, contact the ASUS service center. The LAN cable is not connected. Your computer is not properly connected to a router or hub. ENGLISH LAN Connect the LAN cable to your computer. Ensure that your computer is properly connected to a router or hub. Network settings Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the correct LAN settings.
ENGLISH System Problem System speed is too slow Possible Cause Too many programs are running. Computer virus attack Action Close some of the programs. • ������������������������������ Use an anti-virus software to scan for viruses and repair your computer. • ������������������������������� Reinstall the operating system. Hard disk drive failure • S�������������������������� end the damaged hard disk drive to ASUS Service Center for servicing.
Problem Too noisy right after turning on the computer. Computer is too noisy when in use. Possible Cause Action Your computer is booting up. It is normal. The fan runs on its full speed when the computer is powering on. The fan slows down after entering the OS. The BIOS settings have been changed. Restore the BIOS to its default settings. Old BIOS version Update the BIOS to the latest version. Visit the ASUS Support site at http://support.asus.com to download the latest BIOS versions.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 Telephone +886-2-2894-3447 Fax +886-2-2890-7798 E-mail info@asus.com.tw Web site www.asus.com.tw Technical Support Telephone +86-21-38429911 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA Telephone +1-510-739-3777 Fax +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.
