• P8H61-M LX3 • P8H61-M LX3 PLUS Motherboard P8H61-M LX3 Series
E7258 First Edition March 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.......................................................................................... vi P8H61-M LX3 Series specifications summary........................................ viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features...................................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-23 1.11.1 1.11.2 Chapter 2: 2.1 2.3 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... 2-3 2.1.4 2.3.1 System Language [English]............................................2-11 2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx]...................................................2-11 2.3.
Contents 2.7 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-23 2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On].......................................... 2-23 2.7.3 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]........................................ 2-23 2.7.2 2.7.4 2.7.5 2.7.6 2.8 2.7.7 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]............................ 2-24 Setup Mode [EZ Mode].................................................. 2-24 Boot Option Priorities.................................
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.
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-M LX3 Series specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Expansion slots Graphics Storage LAN Audio USB ASUS unique features Other features Rear panel ports LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium® / Celeron® processors Supports Intel 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. Intel® H61 Express Chipset 2 x DIMM, max.
P8H61-M LX3 Series specifications summary Internal connectors/ switches/ buttons BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support DVD Form factor 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0 ports 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x 4-pin chassis fan connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x Speaker connector 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 32 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8H61-M LX3 Series motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! 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.
Intel® H61 Express Chipset The Intel® H61 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design to support the new 1155 socket Intel® 2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/ Pentium®/Celeron® processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, which allows increased bandwidth and stability.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS UEFI BIOS Flexible and Easy BIOS Interface ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only controls. It also natively supports fully-utilized hard drives larger than 2.2TB in 64-bit operating systems. ASUS exclusive interface EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info.
ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.
1.5 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 1 4 17.3cm(6.8in) CPU_FAN KBMS 22.6cm(8.9in) USB34 DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module) LGA1155 DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) VGA ATX12V LAN_USB12 2 EATXPWR Lithium Cell CMOS Power CHA_FAN AUDIO PCIEX16 P8H61-M LX3 Series RTL 8111F Super I/O USB56 USB78 5 CLRTC USB910 5 6 Intel® H61 PCIEX1_1 VIA VT1708S AAFP SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4 32Mb BIOS F_PANEL SPEAKER 10 1.5.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for Intel® 2nd generation Core™ i7/i5/i3/Pentium®/Celeron® processors. Unplug all power cables 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.
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted. Load plate 4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU socket by lifting the tab only. 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 fit the socket alignment keys into the CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
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 preapplied 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. 7.
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel® LGA1155 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® LGA1155 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires no tool to install.
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CPU_FAN P8H61-M LX3 Series P8H61-M LX3 Series CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. 2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise.
4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. 5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 The motherboard comes with two 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.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB 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. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR3-1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage A-DATA A-DATA A-DATA Apacer CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR Crucial AM2U139C2P1 AM2U139C4P2 SU3U1333W8G9-B AU02GFA33C9NBGC TR3X3G1333C9 G TW3X4G1333C9D G CMX4GX3M1A1333C9 BL25664BN1337.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 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 DIMM slot key on the socket. 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.
1.8 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. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H Intel PCH SATA controller #0 – – – – shared – – – Intel PCH SATA controller #1 – – – – shared – – – Realtek 8111F controller – shared – – – – – – PCIE x16 shared – – – – – – – PCIE x1 – shared – – – – – – 1.9 Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 9 8 7 3 4 6 5 1. PS/2 Mouse port. This port connects to 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.
6. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. 8. D-Sub port. This 15-pin port connects to a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 9. PS/2 Keyboard port. This port connects to a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.
2. 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.
4. 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 CHA_FAN P8H61-M LX3 Series CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND P8H61-M LX3 Series fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
6. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL PWRBTN PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PLED HD_LED+ HD_LEDGround Reset PIN 1 P8H61-M LX3 Series +HDLED RESET P8H61-M LX3 Series System panel connector • • • • 7. 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.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP / 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.
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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.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown. Before updating BIOS 1. 2. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and single partition.
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 enough free space to save the file. 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press . D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom Filename Extension The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension. 2.
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 V1.18 Current ROM BOARD: P8H61-M LX3 VER: 0301 DATE: 11/28/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ P8H61LX3.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 South Bridge Stepping 0301 x64 11/28/2011 7.0.4.
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.
2.4.2 DRAM Timing Control The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Key in a desired value directly. 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. 2.4.3 CPU Power Management The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features.
Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto] Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for CPU cores. The value is represented in 1/8 A (0.125A) increment. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto] Maximum instantaneous current allowed at any given time for internal graphics cores. The value is represented in 1/8 A (0.125A) increment. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. 2.
2.5.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. The items shown in submenu may be different due to the CPU you installed. CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+> and <-> keys or the numeric keypad to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.
CPU C3 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU C6 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the operating system. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.2 System Agent Configuration Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/iGPU] Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.
Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced] This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode]. [Disabled] [Enhanced] [Compatible] Disables the SATA function. Set to [Enhanced] to support more than four SATA devices. Set to [Compatible] when using Windows 98/NT/2000/MS-DOS. Up to four SATA devices are supported under these operating systems. Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced] This item appears only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode]. [Disabled] [Enhanced] Disables the SATA function.
Front Panel Type [HD] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [HD] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio. [AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97. Realtek LAN Controller [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the Realtek LAN controller. Disables the controller.
2.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
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. Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM] 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.
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis Fan Profile to [Manual]. Chassis Upper Temperature [70] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40ºC to 90ºC. Chassis Fan Max. Duty Cycle(%) [100] Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature reaches the upper limit, the chassis fan will operate at the maximum duty cycle.
2.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
2.7.4 [Force BIOS] Option ROM Messages [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] 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities [Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program. [EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.
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. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.8.
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.
Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-27
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 : Mar. 09, 2012 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.
