Asus P5G41-M LE/CSM Micro User manual

Motherboard
P5G41-M

ii
E4832
First Edition V1
July 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”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
P5G41-M specications summary ............................................................ ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-2
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-5
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-5
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-5
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-6
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-6
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-7
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-7
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 1-10
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................1-11
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-12
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-12
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-20
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-20
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-21
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-21
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-21
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-21
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 1-21
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-21
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-22
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-24
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-24
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-25

iv
Contents
1.11 Software support........................................................................ 1-32
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-32
1.11.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-32
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 2-5
2.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 2-5
2.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 2-6
2.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 2-6
2.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 2-6
2.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 2-6
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 2-6
2.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 2-6
2.2.9 General help ................................................................... 2-6
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]......................................... 2-7
2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~4.............................. 2-7
2.3.4 Storage Conguration ..................................................... 2-8
2.3.5 System Information ......................................................... 2-9
2.4 Advanced menu ........................................................................... 2-9
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration .............................................. 2-9
2.4.2 CPU Conguration .........................................................2-11
2.4.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-12
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-13
2.4.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-13
2.4.6 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-14
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-15
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 2-15
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled].......................................... 2-15
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 2-15

v
Contents
2.5.4 Anti Surgy Support [Enabled]........................................ 2-15
2.5.5 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-15
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-16
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-17
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-17
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-17
2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-18
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-19
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-19
2.7.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-19
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-20

vi
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. 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. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

vii
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.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are
not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is dened as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY-RELATED
INSTRUCTIONS.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Never dispose of the battery in re. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5oC (41oF) and 40oC (104oF).

viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure 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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

ix
P5G41-M specications summary
(continued on the next page)
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.
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®G41
Southbridge: Intel®ICH7
Front Side Bus 1333/1066/800 MHz
Memory Dual channel memory architecture
- 2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
non-ECC 1066(overclocking) /800/667 MHz DDR2
memory modules
- Supports up to 8GB system memory
* Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity
or more, Windows®32-bit operating system may only
recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum
of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows®
32-bit operating system.
Graphics Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (Intel® GMA X4500)
integrated
Supports RGB with max. resolution of 2048 x 1536@75Hz
Supports Microsoft®DirectX 10
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Southbridge Intel®ICH7 supports:
- 1 x UltraDMA 100 hard disk drive
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s ports
LAN PCIe Gigabit LAN
Audio High Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC
- Supports Jack-detect and Multi-streaming
technologies
- Supports S/PDIF out interface
USB Max. 8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports
at back panel)
ASUS Overclocking
Features
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 800 MHz at 1MHz
increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

x
P5G41-M specications summary
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS Special Features ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS EPU-L
ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical S/PDIF
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 2.0 ports
1 x IDE connector
4 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x High denition front panel audio connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x Internal speaker connector
1 x COM connector
1 x LPT connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x chassis fan connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
BIOS features 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI v2.0, WfM 2.0,
ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS v2.5
Support DVD Contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Ultra DMA 100/66 cable
1 x I/O shield
User Manual
Form factor MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 7.8 in (24.4 cm x 19.8 cm)

ASUS P5G41-M 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
Motherboard ASUS P5G41-M motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Ultra DMA 100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User Manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel®Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo CPU
support
This motherboard supports Intel®LGA775 Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2
Quad / Core™ 2 Duo processors, which are excellent for multitasking,
multimedia, and enthusiastic gamers with 1333/ 1066/ 800 MHz FSB.
This motherboard also supports Intel®CPUs in the 45nm manufacturing
process.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5G41-M 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.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel®G41 Chipset
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-denition 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 4.0 and OpenGL 2.1. It especially includes
Intel® Fast Memory Access technology the signicantly optimized the use
of available memory bandwith and reduces the latency of the memory
accesses.
6-channel High Denition Audio
The onboard 6-channel RTL High Denition Audio CODEC enables high-
quality audio that automatically detects peripherals plugged into the audio
I/O jacks. It also supports the Windows®Vista Premium OS.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)
3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability and
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data saving and retrieval.
HDMI™ Interface
HDMI (High Denition Multimedia Interface) is the rst and only industry-
supported, uncompressed, all digital and video interface via a single
cable and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray disc,
and other protected content. The interface of this motherboard supports
dual VGA output both HDMI and RGB.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
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 le using the bundled support DVD or USB disk
that contains the latest BIOS le.

ASUS P5G41-M 1-3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using an OS-based utility.
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according
to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient 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.
ASUS EPU-L
ASUS EPU (Engine Processing Unit) provides a total system power
management. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently
adjusts the power in real-time.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from
damage caused by power surges from switching power supply (PSU).
Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into a physical
overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost
performances without interrupting ongoing work or games—with just one
touch!
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings
when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the
need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut
down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the
CPU parameters to their default settings.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line
with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable
products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact on the environment.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you must shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
P5G41-M
SB_PWR
ON
Standy Power Powered Off
OFF
P5G41-M Onboard LED

ASUS P5G41-M 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts 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
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
P5G41-M

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.5.4 Layout contents
P5G41-M
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCI2
PCI1
PRI_IDE
LPT USB56 USB78
F_PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
ICS
9LRS954
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
COM1
Intel®
G41
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
SPDIF_O
RTL
Audio
codec
Atheros
L1E
KBMS
8Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
USBPW1-4
USBPW5-8
KBPWR
SPEAKER
19.8cm(7.8in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA775
Intel®
ICH7
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
HDMI
VGA
LAN1_USB12
USB34
SATA1 SATA2
SATA3
SATA4
5
2
2
1 653 4
8
9
10
7
12 11314151617 13
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-21 10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLTRC) 1-20
2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin
ATX12V)
1-25 11. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA 1-4) 1-23
3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, 3-pin
USBPW5-8)
1-21 12. USB connectors (10-pin USB56 and
USB78)
1-27
4. CPU socket 1-7 13. Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-29
5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin
CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)
1-26 14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM) 1-29
6. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-12 15. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin
SPDIF_OUT)
1-27
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-24 16. Front panel audio connector (10-pin AAFP) 1-26
8. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4 17. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-23
9. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-28

ASUS P5G41-M 1-7
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. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing,
or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.
ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA775 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the cam box is facing towards you and the load lever
is on your left.
The motherboard supports Intel®LGA775 processors with the Intel®Enhanced Intel
SpeedStep®Technology (EIST) and Hyper-Threading Technology.
P5G41-M
P5G41-M CPU socket 775

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
To prevent damage to the socket
pins, do not remove the PnP cap
unless you are installing a CPU.
2. Press the load lever with your thumb
(A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab
4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and
forenger to a 100º angle (4A), then
push the PnP cap from the load plate
window to remove (4B).
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow to a 135º angle. PnP cap
Load plate
4A
4B
3
5. Position the CPU over the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the socket then t
the socket alignment key into the CPU
notch.
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment key
CPU notch

ASUS P5G41-M 1-9
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.
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.
Some heatsinks come with
pre-applied thermal paste. If so, skip
this step.
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger directly.
7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into the
retention tab.
A
B

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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®-certied
multi-directional heatsink and fan.
• Your Intel®LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires
no tool to install.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you have
properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you
install the heatsink and fan assembly.
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and
functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners match
the holes on the motherboard.
A
A
B
B
1
1
AB
BA
2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink
and fan assembly in place.
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly
such that the CPU fan cable is closest to
the CPU fan connector.