Asus P5KPL-AM - SE Motherboard And Intel Core 2... User manual

Motherboard
P5KPL-AM

ii
E4416
Third Edition V3
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”).
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...................................................................................... vii
P5KPL-AM 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 ................................................ 1-3
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............................................................ 1-17
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM.......................................................... 1-17
1.8 Expansion slots....................................................................... 1-18
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card........................................... 1-18
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card....................................... 1-18
1.8.3 PCI slots......................................................................... 1-18
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots ...................................................... 1-18
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot...................................................... 1-18
1.9 Jumpers.................................................................................... 1-19
1.10 Connectors............................................................................... 1-20
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ................................................... 1-20
1.10.2 Internal connectors......................................................... 1-21

iv
Contents
1.11 Software support ..................................................................... 1-29
1.11.1 Installing an operating system........................................ 1-29
1.11.2 Support DVD information ............................................... 1-29
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.......................................... 2-1
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk........................................ 2-1
2.1.2 ASUS Update utility.......................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.................................................... 2-3
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................. 2-4
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility........................................ 2-5
2.2 BIOS setup program.................................................................. 2-6
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-7
2.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................... 2-7
2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-7
2.2.4 Menu items....................................................................... 2-8
2.2.5 Submenu items ................................................................ 2-8
2.2.6 Conguration elds........................................................... 2-8
2.2.7 Pop-up window................................................................. 2-8
2.2.8 Scroll bar .......................................................................... 2-8
2.2.9 General help..................................................................... 2-8
2.3 Main menu.................................................................................. 2-9
2.3.1 System Time..................................................................... 2-9
2.3.2 System Date..................................................................... 2-9
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A............................................................. 2-9
2.3.4 Primary, Third and Fourth IDE Master/Slave.................... 2-9
2.3.5 IDE Conguration........................................................... 2-10
2.3.6 System Information ........................................................ 2-10
2.4 Advanced menu....................................................................... 2-11
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration...............................................2-11
2.4.2 USB Conguration.......................................................... 2-12
2.4.3 CPU Conguration ......................................................... 2-13
2.4.4 Chipset ........................................................................... 2-14
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration ..................................... 2-15
2.4.6 PCI PnP.......................................................................... 2-15
2.5 Power menu ............................................................................. 2-16
2.5.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................... 2-16
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ........................................................... 2-16
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ........................................................ 2-16
2.5.4 APM Conguration ......................................................... 2-17
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor........................................................... 2-17

v
Contents
2.6 Boot menu................................................................................ 2-18
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority........................................................ 2-18
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration............................................ 2-19
2.6.3 Security .......................................................................... 2-19
2.7 Tools menu............................................................................... 2-20
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ........................................................... 2-20
2.7.2 AI NET2.......................................................................... 2-20
2.8 Exit menu ................................................................................. 2-21

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.
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.
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.
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.

viii
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>
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:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iP5KPLAM.ROM

ix
(continued on the next page)
P5KPL-AM specications summary
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad/ Core™2
Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /
Celeron® E1000 Series and Celeron® 400 Series
Processors
Compatible with Intel® 05B / 05A / 06 processors
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ready
Support Intel®EIST technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®G31
Southbridge: Intel®ICH7
Front side bus 1600(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz
Memory Dual channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets supports unbuffered non-ECC
4GB 1066(O.C.)/800/667 MHz DDR2 memory modules
* When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows 32-bit operating system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
VGA Integrated Gfx (Intel GMA3100) in North bridge supports
- Maximum resolution: 2048 x 1536 x 32 bpp,
- Horizontal: 127.5 KHz, Vertical: 75Hz
Storage Southbridge Intel®ICH7 supports:
- 1 x UltraDMA 100 / 66 / 33 hard disk drives
- 4 x SATA 3 Gb/s ports
LAN Realtek®RTL8102EL, 10/100
Audio VIA® VT 1708B, 8-channel High Denition Audio
CODEC
USB Max. 8 x USB2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4 ports at
back panel
ASUS features ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS C.P.R.

x
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
P5KPL-AM specications summary
Rear panel ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x Parallel port
1 x VGA port
1 x COM
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
8-channel audio I/O port
Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 4 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for two devices
4 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 24-pin EATXPWR 12 V power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
1 x Front panel High Denition audio connector
1 x System Panel connector
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
ACPI V2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5
Manageability WO_USB, WO_KB/MS, WOR by Ring, PME Wake Up,
WOL
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update utility
Anti-virus software (OEM)
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 100/66/33 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
I/O shield
User manual
Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.0 in (24.4 cm x 20.3cm)

ASUS P5KPL-AM 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5KPL-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.
Motherboard ASUS P5KPL-AM motherboard
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33 cable
1 x SATA cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x Floppy disk drive 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
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.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
LGA775 Intel®Quad-core Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Quad-core processors in
LGA775 package. It also can support Intel® next generation 45nm Multi-
Core CPU. It´s excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic
gamers with 1600(OC)/1333 / 1066/800 MHz FSB. Intel® Quad-core is
one of the most powerful CPU in the world.
Intel® Core™2 Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processors in LGA775
package. With new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and
1600(OC) MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful
and energy efcient CPU in the world.
Intel®G31 chipset
The Intel® G31 Express Chipset boosts your gaming and multimedia
experience with the integrated graphics engine Intel® Graphics Media
Accelerator 3100. It supports 1333MHz FSB (front-side-bus), and delivers
breakthrough advances in 3D and 2D graphics; and video capabilities. This
integrated chipset is able to meet the changing display requirements of
visually rich applications and features the Intel® Clear Video Technology
- which trailblazes new standards in high-denition video, crisp imaging, and
accurate color control.
Dual-Channel DDR2 1066 (OC)
Dual-channel DDR2 technology doubles the bandwidth of your system
memory and hence boost the system performance to out perform any
memory existing solutions in the market.
8 Channel High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound system on your PC! The onboard 8 channel HD
audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC
enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature,
retasking functions and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously
sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk
to your partners on the headphone while playing a multi-channel network
games. All of these are done on one computer.
Max. 8 USB 2.0 ports supports
USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation
components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB
1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at
480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers.

ASUS P5KPL-AM 1-3
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS Q-Fan technology
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently and automatically adjusts CPU fan
speeds according to system load and temperature, enabling users to
work in a distraction-free environment with minimal noise.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your
system.
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, oppy disk,
or USB disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.
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.
PCI Express Architecture
PCI Express is the latest I/O interconnect technology that will replace
the existing PCI. With a bus bandwidth 4 times higher than that of AGP
8X interface, PCI Express x16 bus performs much better than AGP 8X in
applications such as 3D gaming. PCI Express x1 and x4 also outperforms
PCI interface with its exceptional high bandwidth. The high speed PCI
Express interface creates new usages on desktop PCs e.g., Gigabit LAN,
1394b, and high-speed RAID systems.
Serial ATA 3 Gb/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.

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.
P5KPL-AM
P5KPL-AM Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

ASUS P5KPL-AM 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
P5KPL-AM

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
Intel G31
Intel ICH7
24.4cm(9.6in)
DDR2 DIMM1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM
2
(64 bit,240-pin module)
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCI2
PCIEX1_1
CD
VT1708B
AAFP
USB78 USB56
CLRTC
F_PANEL
SB_PWR
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
ATX12V
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
LAN1_USB12
COM1
PARALLEL PORT
VGA1
USB34
LGA775
P5KPL-AM
RTL
8102EL
RTM870T-954
CHA_FAN
PWR_FAN
AUDIO
8Mb
BIOS
20.3cm (8in)
Super I/O
FLOPPY
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
SPDIF_OUT
PRI_IDE
2 41 2 2
5
3
6
1
789912 1113141516 10
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page
1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin
ATX12V)
1-27 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56 and
USB78)
1-24
2. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin
CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
1-25 10. Onboard LED 1-4
3. LGA775 CPU socket 1-7 11. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin
CHASSIS)
1-26
4. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-12 12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-19
5. Floppy disk drive connectors (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 1-21 13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-24
6. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-23 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin
AAFP)
1-26
7. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) 1-22 15. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin
SPDIF_OUT)
1-22
8. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-28 16. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-25

ASUS P5KPL-AM 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium®D / Pentium®4 and Celeron®
E1000 Series and Celeron®400 Series 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. 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.
P5KPL-AM
P5KPL-AM CPU Socket 775
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 Memory
64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST), and Hyper-
Threading Technology.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Load plate
PnP cap
4B
4A
3
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.
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 P5KPL-AM 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.
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.
A
B
B
A
1
1
A
AB
B