Motherboard P5QPL-AM
E4548 First Edition V1 March 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 P5QPL-AM specifications summary.......................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!..........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-29 1.11.1 1.11.2 Chapter 2: 2.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... 2-3 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-5 2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-6 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.
Contents 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.8 Hardware Monitor.......................................................... 2-16 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-17 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-17 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-18 2.6.2 2.7 APM Configuration.........................................................
Notices ASUS REACH Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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. 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.
P5QPL-AM specifications summary CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core / Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® processors Supports Intel® 45nm multi-core CPU Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
P5QPL-AM specifications summary ASUS Special Features ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 AI NET 2 ASUS Turbo Key Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 1 x COM port 1 x LPT port 1 x VGA port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel audio I/O ports Internal I/O Connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 4 USB 2.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5QPL-AM 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.
The Intel® G41 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support dual-channel DDR2 1066(overclocking)/800/667 architecture, 1333/1066/800 Front Side Bus (FSB), PCIe 1.1, and multi-core CPUs. It provides digital home entertainment of full 1080p high-definition video playback, including Blu-ray disc movies, with the next-generation Intel® Graphics Media Acceleratior X4500. The Intel® G41 Express Chipset delivers optimized 3D graphics performance and support for Microsoft DirectX10. Shader Model 4.
ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS AI NET2 ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after you turn on the system and any faulty cable connections are reported back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. Turbo Key ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button.
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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 2 8 9 16 1.5.4 1-6 15 14 13 12 11 3 10 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-21 9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-20 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-25 10. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) 1-23 3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, 3-pin USBPW5-8) 1-21 11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56 and USB78) 1-27 4.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The 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. • 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. • Your Intel® LGA775 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. 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. 3.
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 The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
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 single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
P5QPL-AM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability 1-14 Size Vendor Part No.
DDR2 800 Qualified Vendors List Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No.
DDR2 800 Qualified Vendors List Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G 2G GB24GB6400C4DC GB24GB6400C5DC GB28GB6400C5QC GB28GB6400C4QC GX22GB6400LX GX24GB6400DC GE28GB800C5QC GE28GB800C4QC GX22GB6400CUSC GE24GB800C4DC GE24GB800C5DC 4 5 5 4 5 5 5 4 4 4 5 GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL T800UB1GC4 4 1G 1G 1G 2G 2G GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL GEIL Super Talent G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.SKILL G.
DDR2 1066 Qualified Vendors List 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. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
2. 3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 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 (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. 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.
7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 9. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 10. COM port. This port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.2 1.
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 100/66/33 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 100/66/33 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.
4. 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. • 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 400 W.
6. CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) The fan connector supports CPU cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.). Connect the CPU fan cable to the fan connector on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of the cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Do not forget to connect the CPU fan cables to the fan connector. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. This is not a jumper! Do not place a jumper cap on the fan connector! 7.
8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 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. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB module cable is purchased separately. 9.
10. • • • • 1-28 System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HD_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED.
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.
1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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).
Updating from the Internet a. Select Update BIOS from the Internet, then click Next. b. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. c. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download then click Next. 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 3. a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b.
• 2. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press to enable it. Press to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is found. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done. • Only a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support the ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. • Only a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure! The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. 2.
• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setups Default item under the Exit Menu. See section 2.8 Exit Menu. • 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.
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 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
2.3 Main menu 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.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.
2.3.5 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.
The following two items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking item to [MANUAL]. CPU Frequency [xxx] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the CPU frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 800. Refer to the table below for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
Memory Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Memory Voltage. Key in the value directly. Use +/- to adjust the voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [Min = 1.36000V] [Max = 2.44500V] NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the North Bridge voltage or set it to [Auto] mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.125V] [1.175V] [1.225V] [1.275V] SB 1.5V Voltage [1.5V] Allows you to select the South Bridge voltage. Configuration options: [1.5V] [1.6V] 2.4.
The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® CPU that supports the Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology (EIST). Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [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] 2.4.
South Bridge Configuration Audio Controller [Enabled] Allows you to set the audio controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Front Panel Type [HD Audio] Allows you to select the front panel support type. If High Definition Audio Front Panel used, set this item to [HD Audio] mode. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Onboard LAN [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable USB 2.0 controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Legacy USB Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard drives. Setting to [Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
2.5 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 Advanced Power Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.
Resume On Ring [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Resume On PCI Devices [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to wake the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B: ) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot. device.
2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press . 2.
Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu.
2.8 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. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exitsystem systemsetup setup Exit aftersaving savingthe the after changes. changes. F10key keycan canbe beused used F10 forthis thisoperation. operation.
