Asus P5N32-SLI Premium User manual

Motherboard
P5N32-SLI
Premium

ii
E2749
First Edition V1
August 2006
Copyright © 2006 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........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
P5N32-SLI Premium specications summary.......................................... xi
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 ASUS AI Lifestyle features ............................................. 1-4
1.3.3 ASUS Special features ................................................... 1-7
1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features .......................... 1-8
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 ASUS Stack Cool 2......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-4
2.2.5 Layout contents............................................................... 2-5
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-10
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-12
2.3.4 Installing the optional fan .............................................. 2-14
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-15
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-15
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-16
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-18
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-18
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-18

iv
Contents
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-19
2.5.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-20
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-20
2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-20
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-21
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-22
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-25
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning 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 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 4-4
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5
4.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-6
4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS le............................................ 4-8
4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-9
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 Legend bar.................................................................... 4-12
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 ............................................................. 4-13
4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-13

v
Contents
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-14
4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-14
4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-14
4.3.3 Language ...................................................................... 4-14
4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-14
4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-15
4.3.6 SATA 1 ~ 6......................................................................................4-17
4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-18
4.3.8 Installed Memory........................................................... 4-18
4.3.9 Usable Memory............................................................. 4-18
4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-19
4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 4-19
4.4.2 AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-24
4.4.3 PEG Link Mode............................................................. 4-24
4.4.4 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-25
4.4.5 Chipset.......................................................................... 4-26
4.4.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-27
4.4.7 Onboard Device Conguration...................................... 4-28
4.4.8 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-30
4.5 Power menu................................................................................ 4-31
4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-31
4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-31
4.5.3 APM Conguration........................................................ 4-32
4.5.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-34
4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-36
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-36
4.6.2 Removable Drives......................................................... 4-37
4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 4-37
4.6.4 CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-37
4.6.5 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................... 4-38
4.6.6 Security ......................................................................... 4-39

vi
Contents
4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-41
4.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 4-41
4.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 4-43
4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-45
4.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-46

vii
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.

viii
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.
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.

ix
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: 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.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Descriptions of the BIOS items 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.

x
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+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:
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.

xi
P5N32-SLI Premium specications summary
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Extreme / Core™2
Duo / Pentium®Extreme / Pentium®D / Pentium®4 /
Celeron®D Processors
Compatible with Intel®06/05B/05A processors
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the Intel®CPU support
list.
Chipset NVIDIA®nForce®590 SLI™ Intel®Edition
Features Enhanced Performance Prole Technology
Front Side Bus 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC
unbuffered DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory
modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest Qualied
Vendors List (QVL).
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots (blue and black) support
NVIDIA®SLI™ technology at full x16, x16 speed
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot (middle) supports an add-on
card at x8 speed
1 x PCI Express™ x1
2 x PCI 2.2
Scalable Link Interface
(SLI™)
Supports two identical NVIDIA®SLI™-Ready graphics
cards (both at x16 mode)
Note: The blue and the black PCI Express x 16 slots support NVIDIA®SLI™
technology at full x16, x16 speed. The middle slot is for an add-on card at
x8 speed.
ASUS PEG Link
Storage/RAID Southbridge supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
- NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,
0+1, 5 and JBOD conguration across Serial ATA
drives
Silicon Image®3132 SATA controller supports:
- 2 x External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
(SATA-on-the-Go) on the rear panel
LAN NVIDIA®nForce®590 SLI™ built-in dual Gigabit
MAC with external Marvell PHY
Supports NVIDIA®DualNet®technology
(continued on the next page)

xii
P5N32-SLI Premium specications summary
Wireless LAN ASUS WiFi-AP Solo™
- 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g and backward compatible
with 11 Mbps IEEE 802.11b
- Software Access Point (AP) mode
- Station mode: Infrastructure mode and Ad-Hoc mode
High Denition Audio SupremeFX Audio Card
- ADI 1988B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration,
Multi-streaming and Jack-Retasking
- Noise Filter
Coaxial, Optical S/PDIF out
DTS®Connect
ASUS Array Mic
IEEE 1394 VIA6308P controller supports:controller supports:
- 2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board, 1 on
the rear panel)
USB Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 at mid-board, 4 on(4 at mid-board, 4 on
the rear panel)
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)
- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
- AI Booster
- ASUS PEG Link (automatic performance tuning for
graphics cards)
Precision Tweaker:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 6.25 mV
increment
- vDIMM: 16-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset: 8-step Chipset voltage control
Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS)
- FSB tuning from 133 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
- Memory tuning from 533 MHz up to 1066 MHz
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100 MHz up to
200 MHz at 1 MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)

xiii
P5N32-SLI Premium specications summary
(continued on the next page)
ASUS AI Lifestyle
features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- AI Gear
- AI Nap
- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
- ASUS Optional Fan (for Water-cooling or
Passive-Cooling only)
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS Music Alarm
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 3
Rear panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 Mouse (green)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output port
2 x External Serial ATA ports
2 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IEEE1394a port
Internal connectors 1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x Serial ATA connectors
2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four additional USB 2.0
ports
1 x IEEE 1394a port connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x S/PDIF output connector
1 x CPU / 1 x SPS / 3 x chassis fan connectors
System panel connector

xiv
P5N32-SLI Premium specications summary
BIOS features 8 Mb AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
2.3, Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chasis Intrusion, PXE
Support CD contents Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Booster
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS WiFi-AP Solo Wizard
NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID
Anti-virus software
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

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

ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5N32-SLI Premium 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS P5N32-SLI PremiumP5N32-SLI Premium
I/O modules 1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module
Cables Serial ATA power and signal cables for 6 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
ASUS Array Mic
ASUS Optional Fan
ASUS WiFi-AP Solo™ omni-directional antenna
(WiFi-AP Edition only)
1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
(USB, 1394, system panel; Retail version only)
1 x ASUS SLI Bridge
InterVideo®Media Launcher (OEM version)
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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.
Intel®Core™2 Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel®Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 / 800
MHz FSB, the Intel®Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful and energy
efcient CPUs in the world. See page 2-7 for details.
NVIDIA®Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)
The NVIDIA®Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics
processing units (GPUs) in a single system. This technology takes advantage of
the PCI Express™ bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software
solutions that allows multiple GPUs to work together and achieve exceptional
graphics performance.
NVIDIA®nForce®590 SLI™ Intel®Edition
The NVIDIA®nForce®590 SLI™ chipset supports the
NVIDIA Scalable Link Interface(SLI™) technology that
allows two graphics processing units(GPUs) in a single
system. This technology takes advantage of the PCI Express™ bus architecture
and features intelligent hardware and software solutions that allow multiple GPUs
to work together and achieve exceptional graphics performance.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates
of 800/667/533 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 12.8 GB/s.
See page 2-15 for details.

ASUS P5N32-SLI Premium 1-3
Serial ATA I/II technology and SATA-On-The-Go
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the
Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA®nForce® 590 SLI™ chipset. The Serial
ATA 3.0 Gb/s specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA
products with a host of new features, including Nativa Command Queueing (NCQ),
and Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for
thinner, more exible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required.
See page 2-26 for details.
Leveraging these Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s features is the SATA-On-The-Go. Supported
by the Silicon Image®3132 Serial ATA controller are two external Serial ATA 3.0
Gb/s ports on the rear panel that provide smart setup and hot-plug function. See
page 2-23 for details.
Dual RAID solution
Onboard RAID controllers provide the motherboard with dual-RAID functionality
that allows you to select the best RAID solution for Serial ATA devices.
The NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA®nForce®
590 SLI™ chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD
congurations for six SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors. See page 2-26.
The Silicon Image®3132 controller supports two additional external Serial ATA
3.0 Gb/s ports on the rear panel and allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID
5, and JBOD congurations through port multiplier functions. See page 2-23 for
details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-24 and 2-28 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital Interface)
jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and
keeps the best signal quality. See pages 2-24 and 2-33 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI Express
segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN,
and le sharing requirements. See page 2-22 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes the system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
AI Gear
AI Gear provides four modes that adjust the CPU frequency and Vcore
voltage minimizing system noise and power consumption. You can choose
the mode that best suits your computing needs.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.
8-Phase Power Design
The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design provides highly efcient operation to
generate less heat (at least 15°C (59°F)) than other conventional power
solutions. It reduces input ripple current and output ripple voltage, which
keeps CPU and power module from suffering the risk of high power stress.
It has the advantages of quick transient response and stability, especially
benecial when CPU requires more current immediately under heavy loading
or overclocking mode.
Fanless Design - Stack Cool 2
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers
the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat
these critical components generate. See page 2-3 for details.
Fanless Design - Heat-pipe
The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to
the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing
airow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative
heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless
design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. The Heat Pipe
design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.