Asus P5GC-MR User manual

Motherboard
P5GC-MR

ii
E3429
First Edition
September 2007
Copyright © 2007 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
P5GC-MR specications summary ............................................................ x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Layout contents............................................................... 2-5
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-10
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-12
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-14
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-16
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-16
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-17
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-18
2.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) ..................................... 2-19
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot ...................................................... 2-19
2.5.6 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-20

iv
Contents
2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-21
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-24
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-24
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-25
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Powering off the computer.......................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 4-1
4.1.2 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-2
4.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-5
4.1.4 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-7
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 4-10
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen.........................................................4-11
4.2.2 Menu bar........................................................................4-11
4.2.3 Navigation keys..............................................................4-11
4.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 4-12
4.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 4-12
4.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 4-12
4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12
4.2.8 Scroll bar....................................................................... 4-12
4.2.9 General help ................................................................. 4-12
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13
4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 4-13
4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]....................................... 4-13
4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]................................. 4-13
4.3.4 Primary, Third, Fourth IDE Master / Slave .................... 4-14
4.3.5 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 4-15
4.3.6 System Information ....................................................... 4-17
4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-18
4.4.1 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-18

v
Contents
4.4.2 Remote Access Conguration....................................... 4-21
4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-22
4.4.4 Chipset Conguration ................................................... 4-24
4.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 4-27
4.4.6 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-28
4.5 Power Conguration.................................................................. 4-29
4.5.2 APM Conguration........................................................ 4-30
4.5.2 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-31
4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-33
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-33
4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-34
4.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 4-35
4.7 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-38
Chapter 5: Driver installation
5.1 LAN driver installation................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Windows®Server ............................................................ 5-1
5.1.2 SuSE®Linux ................................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Red Hat®Linux................................................................ 5-4
5.2 VGA driver installation................................................................. 5-6
5.2.1 Windows®Server ............................................................ 5-6
5.2.2 Windows®2003 Server ................................................... 5-7
5.2.3 Red Hat®Enterprise ....................................................... 5-7
5.3 Management applications and utilities installation .................. 5-8
5.3.1 Running the support CD ................................................. 5-8
5.3.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-8
5.3.3 Management Software menu.......................................... 5-9
5.3.4 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-9
5.3.5 Contact information....................................................... 5-10
Appendix A: Reference information
A.1 P5GC-MR block diagram .............................................................A-1

vi
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. 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.

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 adapter 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.
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.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

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 manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Driver installation
This chapter provides information on VGA and LAN driver installation for this
motherboard.
• Appendix: Reference information
This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when
conguring the motherboard.
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.

ix
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
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> +<Del>
Command Means that you must type the command
exactly as shown, then supply the
required item or value enclosed in
brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the
command line:
format A:/S
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.

x
P5GC-MR specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
Front Side Bus
Memory
Expansion slots *
Storage
Graphics
LAN
USB
Special features
Dual-Core Intel®Xeon™ 3000 series (65W)*
Dual-Core Intel®Core™ 2 Duo series (65W)*
Intel® Conroe-L 400 series
* Intel CPU over 65W is not supported
Supports Intel®Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)
Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST)
NorthBridge: Intel®945GC MCH
SouthBridge: Intel®ICH7
533 / 800 / 1066 MHz
Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
non-ECC DDR2-400 / 533 / 667 memory modules
Supports up to 4 GB system memory
1 x PCI-E X16 slot (x16 link)
1 x PCI-E X1 slot (x1 link)
( This slot supports x16 Link only when connected to a PCIe
x16 graphics card.)
2 x PCI 33 MHz / 32-bit / 5V slots (PCI 2.2 Compatible)
Intel®ICH7 Southbridge supports:
- 1 X IDE port supports two Ultra ATA 100 / 66 / 33 devices
- 4 x Serial ATAII 300MB / s drivers
Integrated Intel®Graphics Media Accelerator 950
2 x Marvell 88E8056 Giga PCI-E LAN Controllers that comply with
PCI Express 1.0a specications
Intel ICH7 Southbridge supports:
- 4 USB 2.0 ports (two on the rear panel, two on the
board)
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS MyLogo2
Smart Fan I
ASWM2.0

xi
P5GC-MR specications summary
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
BIOS features
Rear panel
Internal connectors
Power Requirement
Form Factor
Support CD contents
AMI BIOS, 8 MB Flash ROM, Green, PnP, DMI, SMBIOS 2.5,
WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0a
1 x PS / 2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS / 2 mouse port (green)
2 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x Serial port (COM1)
1 x VGA port
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
4 x Black Serial ATA connectors
1 x chassis fan connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
1 x USB connector for two additional USB1.1 and USB 2.0
ports
1 x 20 pin system panel auxiliary connector
1 x 20 pin system panel connector
ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant
uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 7.4 in
Device drivers
ASUS Live Update utility
ASUS Server Web-based Management (ASWM 2.0)

xii

1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

ASUS P5GC-MR
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5GC-MR 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5GC-MR 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
P5GC-MR
Gift Box
Content
Bulk Pack
Content
Cables Serial ATA
signal cable 4 -
Serial ATA
power cable 2 -
2-in-1 cable
set 1 -
3-in-1 cable
set - -
Accessories I/O shield 1 10
Application CD Support CD 1 10
Document User guide 1 10
Packing
Quantity
3 pieces per
carton
10 pieces per
carton

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel®EM64T
The motherboard supports Intel®LGA775 CPUs with the Intel®EM64T (Extended
Memory 64 Technology). The Intel®EM64T feature allows your computer to run on
64-bit operating systems and access larger amounts of system memory for faster
and more efcient computing.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST)
The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST) intelligently manages the
CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core frequency
depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power requirement.
Intel®945GC chipset
The Intel®945GC graphics memory controller hub (GMCH) and the ICH7 I/O
controller hub provide the vital interfaces for the motherboard. The GMCH features
the Intel®Graphics Media Accelerator 950, an integrated graphics engine for
enhanced 3D, 2D, and video capabilities. The GMCH contains one 16-lane PCI
Express port intended for an external PCI Express graphics card and provides the
interface for a processor in the 775-land package with 1066/800 MHz front side
bus (FSB), dual channel DDR2 at speeds of up to 667 MHz.
The Intel® ICH7 Southbridge represents the seventh generation I/O controller hub
that provides the interface for PCI Express.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® Core™2 Duo
This motherboard supports the latest powerful and energy efcient processors
from Intel®. Intel® Core™2 Duo is based on the Intel® Core™ Microarchitecture
and built on the 65-nanometer (nm) process technology with copper interconnect.
Intel® Core™2 Duo allows users to step up to new levels of gaming experience
and multi-tasking performance. Boosting performance is a shared and multi-core
optimized L2 cache of 2 MB or 4 MB, guaranteeing enhanced user experience in
the digital home and ofce. See page 1-8 for details.
Due to chipset limitation, Intel®Core™2 processors can only run at a maximum
speed of 1066 MHZ FSB on this motherboard.

ASUS P5GC-MR 1-3
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology
that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI or
PCI-X specications. See page 2-17 for details.
Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers and ports to provide
a total solution for your networking needs. The two onboard Marvell 88E8056
Gigabit LAN controllers use the PCI Express interface and could achieve network
throughput close to Gigabit bandwidth. See page 2-23 for details.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specication,
dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB
1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
See pages 2-23 and 2-27 for details.
Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring
The CPU temperature is monitored by the ASIC (integrated in the Winbond
hardware monitor) to prevent overheating and damage. The system fan rotations
per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely failure detection. The ASIC monitors the
voltage levels to ensure stable supply of current for critical components. See page
4-30 for details.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of
667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,
multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture
doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance,
eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 10.6 GB/s. See pages 1-15
to 1-19 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 3
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the Floppy or USB ash
drive in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates
the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 4-5 for details.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 4-32 for details.
ASUS Smart Fan technology I
The ASUS Smart Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.

2
Hardware
information
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.

ASUS P5GC-MR
Chapter summary 2
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-8
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-15
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17
2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-20
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-24