Motherboard P5QL
E4412 Second Edition V2 January 2009 Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii P5QL specifications summary................................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.....................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-28 1.11.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-28 1.11.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-28 Chapter 2: 2.1 2.2 2.3 iv BIOS information Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk........................................ 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 Power menu................................................................................. 2-19 2.6.1 Suspend Mode............................................................... 2-19 2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support........................................................... 2-19 2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support........................................................ 2-19 2.6.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-19 2.6.5 Hardware Monitor..........
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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.
Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites 2. 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.
P5QL specifications summary CPU LGA775 Socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Dual-Core / Celeron® Dual-Core / Celeron® processors Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Supports Intel® 45nm multi-core CPU Chipset Intel® P43 / ICH10 with Intel® Fast Memory Access Technology System bus 1600(O.C.
P5QL specifications summary ASUS exclusive overclocking features Intelligent overclocking tools: - ASUS AI Booster Precision Tweaker: - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment - vDIMM: 5-step DRAM voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): - FSB tuning from 133MHz to 600MHz at 1MHz increment - Memory tuning from 667MHz to 1333MHz for DDR2 - PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 160MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking protection: - ASUS C.P.R.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5QL 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® P43 Chipset The Intel® P43 Express Chipset is designed to support dual-channel DDR2 1066/800/667MHz architecture, 1333/1066/800MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), PCIe 2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It supports the Intel® Fast Memory Access technology that significantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses. PCIe 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
AI Nap With AI Nap, users can instantly snooze your PC without terminating the tasks. The system will continue operating at minimum power and noise when user is temporarily away. It keeps downloading files or running applications in quietest state while you are sleeping. Simply click keyboard or mouse, you can swiftly wake up the system in a few seconds.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
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 3 1 2 4 19.3cm(7.6in) PS2_USBPW56 KBMS ATX12V USB56 LAN1_USB12 AUDIO USBPW1-4 30.5cm(12.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Dual-Core / Celeron® Dual-Core / Celeron® processors. • Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU. • Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN connector to ensure system stability. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent.
2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab. To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. Retention tab A B Load lever 3. 4. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle. PnP cap Load plate 4B Lift the load plate with your thumb and forefinger to a 100º angle (4A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (4B). 4A 3 5.
6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre-applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step. DO NOT eat the Thermal Interface Material. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin, ensure that you wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help. To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your finger directly. 7.
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel® LGA775 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. • Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.
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. 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. A A B B B A B A 4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. 5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. 1.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR2 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 the single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
P5QL Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability Size Vendor Part No.
DDR2-800MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 1G 1G 1G 1G 2G 2G 1G 1G 1G 1G 1G 1G 1G 2G 512MB 1G 512MB 1G 1G 2G 1G GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL Super Talent G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.
DDR2-667MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
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 To install a DIMM: DDR2 DIMM notch 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 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.
1.9 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. P5QL CLRTC 1 2 2 3 Normal (Default) Clear RTC P5QL Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. Keyboard/mouse power (3-pin PS2_USBPW56) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard/mouse and USB port 5-6 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 (the default is the Space Bar), clicking the mouse, or using a USB device. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. The USBPW56 jumper is for the rear USB ports.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 13 12 11 10 9 3 4 5 6 8 7 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Gigabit LAN controller, 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, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out 8-channel Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out 9. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2.
2. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) SPDIFOUT GND This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. +5V P5QL SPDIF_OUT P5QL Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.
4. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.
6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure 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.
8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_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.
10. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND P5QL USB2.
• For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 400W. • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • The ATX 12 V Specification 2.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista 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® XP Service Pack 3 / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability. 1.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk Create a bootable floppy disk using a different computer. To create a bootable floppy disk: 1. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44MB floppy disk into the floppy disk drive. 2.
2.1.2 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). • This utility is available in the Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2.
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the floppy disk drive or a USB port, then launch EZ Flash 2 in either of these two ways: Press + during POST to display the following: • ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. • Ensure that you prepare two floppy disks: the bootable floppy disk and the floppy disk containing the AFUDOS utility and the latest BIOS file.
2.1.5 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 update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD, a floppy disk, or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard Support DVD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS. Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA SATA Configuration fields 1 2 3 4 5 6 General help Tools [14:14:35] [Wed 04/16/2008] [1.44M, 3.5 in] [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Exit Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system time.
2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
2.2.9 General help 2.3 Main menu At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.
2.3.4 SATA 1-6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA (SATA) devices. There is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART Monitoring). These values are not user-configurable.
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if device is accessed through BIOS. Configuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled] IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35] Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices. Configuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35] 2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual - allows you to manually set overclocking parameters. Auto - loads the optimal settings for the system. The follow items appear only when you set the [Ai Overclock Tuner] item to [Manual]. FSB Frequency [xxx] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
1st Information: 5-5-5-15-3-36-5-3 CAS# Latency [5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] ~ [11 DRAM Clocks] DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] ~ [18 DRAM Clocks] DRAM RAS# Precharge [5 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] ~ [18 DRAM Clocks] RAS# Activate to Precharge [15 DRAM Clocks] Configuration options: [3 DRAM Clocks] ~ [34 DRAM Clocks] RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] ~ [15 DRAM Clocks]
DRAM Static Read Control [Auto] Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] DRAM Read Training [Auto] Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] MEM. OC Charger [Auto] Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Ai Clock Twister [Auto] Allows you to set the DRAM performance.
Memory Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory voltage manually or Auto. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The value ranges from 1.80V to 2.20V with a 0.10V interval. North Bridge Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the NB voltage manually or Auto. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The value ranges from 1.10V to 1.40V with a 0.10V interval. Setting a very high voltage may damage the component permanently, and setting a very low voltage may cause the system to become unstable.
2.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration USB Configuration PCIPnP 2.5.1 Exit Configure CPU.
The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® Pentium® 4 or later CPU that supports the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology (EIST). Intel® SpeedStep® Technology [Enabled] Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology. When set to [Enabled], you can adjust the system power settings in the operating system to use the EIST feature. Set this item to [Disabled] if you do not want to use the EIST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.
2.5.4 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. The USB Devices Enabled item shows auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.
2.6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Tools Exit Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] 2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] 2.6.
Power On By External Modems [Disabled] This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try.
Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. CPU Voltage, 3.
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] [No Access] - prevents user access to the Setup utility. [View Only] - allows access but does not allow change to any field. [Limited] - allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
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. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Enabled] [10 Seconds] [No] Tools Exit Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.NTFS format AI NET 2 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2.8.
2.8.3 AI NET 2 Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.9 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS information
