Asus P5N64 WS Professional User manual

Motherboard
P5N64 WS
Professional

ii
E3685
First Edition
March 2008
Copyright © 2008 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
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices....................................................................................................... viii
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix
About this guide .......................................................................................... x
P5N64 WS Professional specications .................................................. xii
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 special features ................................................... 1-5
1.3.3 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 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Layout contents............................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan................................ 2-9
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................2-11
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-13
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-13
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-14
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-15
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-15
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-16
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-16
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-16
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-17
2.5.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-18
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-18

iv
Contents
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (blue)................................... 2-18
2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slots (black and white)....... 2-18
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-21
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-24
2.8 G.P. Diagnosis card installation................................................ 2-35
2.8.1 G.P. Diagnosis card layout............................................ 2-35
2.8.2 Installing G.P. Diagnosis card ....................................... 2-35
2.8.3 G.P. Diagnosis card check codes.................................. 2-36
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 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-6
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-8
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10
4.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10
4.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................. 4-10
4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11
4.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11
4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................4-11
4.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................4-11
4.2.8 Scroll bar........................................................................4-11
4.2.9 General help ..................................................................4-11
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12
4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-12

v
Contents
4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-12
4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-12
4.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 4-12
4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-13
4.3.6 SATA 1~6 ...................................................................... 4-14
4.3.7 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 4-15
4.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 4-16
4.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 4-17
4.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-21
4.5.1 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-21
4.5.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-22
4.5.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 4-23
4.5.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 4-24
4.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-25
4.6 Power menu................................................................................ 4-26
4.6.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 4-26
4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................ 4-26
4.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 4-26
4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-26
4.6.5 APM Conguration........................................................ 4-27
4.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-28
4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-30
4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-30
4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-31
4.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 4-32
4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-34
4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-34
4.8.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 4-35
4.8.3 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 4-35
4.8.4 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 4-37
4.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-38
Chapter 5: Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 5-1

vi
Contents
5.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6
5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II..........................................................5-11
5.3.3 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-17
5.3.4 ASUS EPU Utility -- AI Gear 3+..................................... 5-19
5.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-21
5.3.6 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............................................................. 5-22
5.3.7 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-23
5.3.8 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility)... 5-24
5.3.9 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 5-33
5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-40
5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-40
5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations........................................ 5-41
5.4.3 Marvell® eSATA RAID congurations ............................ 5-48
5.4.4 Marvell® SAS RAID congurations................................ 5-54
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-63
5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-63
5.5.2 Creating a SATA RAID driver disk in Windows®............ 5-63
Chapter 6: NVIDIA®SLI™ technology support
6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
Requirements................................................................................. 6-1
6.2 Graphics card setup .................................................................... 6-2
6.2.1 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards........................ 6-2
6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 6-5
6.2.3 Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-6
6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology in Windows®.... 6-6
Appendix: CPU features
A.1 Intel®EM64T..................................................................................A-1

vii
Contents
Using the Intel®EM64T feature......................................................A-1
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST) ........................A-1
A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1
A.2.2 Using the EIST................................................................A-2
A.3 Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................A-3

viii
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.

ix
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.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

x
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, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
• Chapter 6: NVIDIA SLI™ technology support
This chapter tells how to set up NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards to avail of
NVIDIA’s Multi-Video Processing technology.
• Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.
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.

xi
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 connected with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /iP5N64WP.ROM
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.

xii
P5N64 WS Professional specications
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™ 2 / Pentium®D /
Pentium®4 / Celeron®processor
Supports Intel®45nm, Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™ 2 Duo processor
Intel®EM64T / EIST / Hyper-Threading Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list
Chipset NVIDIA®nForce®790i Ultra SLI™
System bus 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC
unbuffered DDR3 2000 (O.C.) / 1800 (O.C.) /
1600 (O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz memory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slots (blue @ x16, 16 link)
2 x Universal PCI Express™ x16 slots (black @ x16 link,
white @ x8 link)
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI 2.2 slots
Scalable Link Interface
(SLI™)
Supports NVIDIA®3-Way SLI graphics cards (Triple at x16
mode)
Storage NVIDIA®nForce®790i Ultra SLI™
- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 10,™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 10,RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 10,RAID 0, 1, 10,
5 and JBOD conguration across SATA drives
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices
Marvell®88SE6121 controller
- 2 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 102 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 10External SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 10
and 5 conguration
Marvell®88SE6320 controller
- 2 x SAS ports with RAID 0, 1, and 10 conguration2 x SAS ports with RAID 0, 1, and 10 congurationports with RAID 0, 1, and 10 conguration
LAN 2 x Marvell®88E1116 Dual Gigabit LAN controllers
- Supports teaming function
Wireless LAN ASUS WiFi-AP @n
- 300 Mbps* IEEE 802.11n (Draft) and backwards
compatible with IEEE 802.11b/g
- Software Access Point mode
* The maximum wireless signal rate is IEEE 802.11n
Draft specications. Actual throughput will vary
depending on the wireless environment and other
parameters.
High Denition audio ADI® 1988B 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-Streaming, and Jack-Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-Streaming, and Jack-
Retasking Technology
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
- ASUS AI Audio 2
- ASUS Noise Filter

xiii
P5N64 WS Professional specications
IEEE 1394 VIA VT6308S 1394a controller supports 2 x IEEE
1394a ports (one at midboard; one at back panel)
USB 8 x USB 2.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back
panel)
AI Lifestyle Unique
Features
ASUS Power Saving solution:
- ASUS HE95
- ASUS 3rd Generation 8-Phase Power Design
- ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) with
AI Gear 3+utility
- ASUS AI Nap
ASUS Workstation Features:
- G.P. Diagnosis card
- Onboard SAS interface
- ASUS SASsaby cards support
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Pure Copper Heat-pipe
solution
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
- ASUS Stack Cool 2
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
Other Features ASUS MyLogo 2
Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- ASUS AI Booster utility
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V
increment
- vDIMM: 40-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset (N.B.): 25-step DRAM voltage control
- vFSB Termination: 15-step DRAM voltage control
- vCPU PLL: 64-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz
increment
- Memory tuning from 800MHz up to 3200MHz
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to
150MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
(continued on the next page)

xiv
P5N64 WS Professional specications
Internal connectors 1 x USB connector supports two additional USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x Serial ATA connectors
2 x SAS ports
1 x CPU fan connector with PWM control
3 x Chassis fan connectors (CHA_FAN1/2 with Q-fan 2
control)
1 x Power fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM connector
1 x TPM connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX +12 V power connector
1 x 20-pin panel connector
Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
2 x External Serial ATA port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,
SMBIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, AI NET 2, Chassis
Intrusion, BIOS ash utility under DOS
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS AI Suite
Anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader ver 7.0
Microsoft Direct X ver 9.0C
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
Chapter 1: Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

ASUS P5N64 WS Professional
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5N64 WS Professional 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5N64 WS Professional 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 P5N64 WS Professional
I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB + 1-port IEEE 1394a module2-port USB + 1-port IEEE 1394a module1-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x COM port module
Cables Serial ATA signal cable for 6 devices
Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
2 x SAS + PWR cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
ASUS SLI bridge
3-Way SLI bridge
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
G.P. Diagnosis card (Retail version only)
2 x WiFi-AP @n omni-directional antennae
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
ASUS WiFi-AP @n manual

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 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™2 Duo Processor Support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™ 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking,
multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. The
Intel®Core™ 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world.
This motherboard also supports Intel®CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing
process.
NVIDIA®nForce® 790i Ultra SLI chipset
The NVIDIA®nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset supports the NVIDIA®Scalable Link
Interface (SLI™) technology that allows three graphics processing units (GPUs)
in a single system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking capability,
ultimate gaming performance with SLI technology support. It’s denitely one of
the fastest platform in the world. The NVIDIA®nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset also
supports six (6) Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices, three PCI Express™ x16 slots with
NVIDIA®SLI™support at full x16, x16, x16 mode, and up to 8 USB 2.0 ports.
NVIDIA®Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)
NVIDIA SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased
bandwidth of the PCI Express bus architecture and features intelligent hardware
and software that allows two GPUs to efciently work together to deliver earth-
shattering, scalable performance.
NVIDIA®3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)
NVIDIA 3-Way SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) takes advantage of the increased
bandwidth of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture and features intelligent
hardware and software that allows three GPUs to efciently work together to
deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some applications nearly triple
performance! See Chapter 6 for details.

ASUS P5N64 WS Professional 1-3
ASUS Express Gate
With only 5 seconds boot-up time, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly
surf the Internet without entering Windows or the Hard Disk. You can now enjoy
Skype, IM, YouTube, webmail and internet le downloads and sharing whenever
and wherever you want! See page 5-33 for details.See page 5-33 for details.
WiFi-AP @n
With spec 300 Mbps transfer rates, WiFi-AP @n supports the latest WiFi
specications, 802.11n (draft), for better signal coverage, stronger signals and
faster data transmissions in comparison to previous 802.11b/g standards. With two
antennas, you will not suffer from signal loss like before. You can also enjoy the
choice to set the device in AP-Mode or Client Mode. Refer to the bundled ASUS
WiFi-AP @n manual for more details.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page page 2-18 for details.
Dual-channel DDR3 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of
1333/1066/800 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance. See page 2-13 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial
ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specication, delivering enhanced scalability and
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. The external
SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug functions.
Easily backup photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices.
See page 2-22 and 2-26 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Triple RAID solution
The NVIDIA®nForce 790i Ultra SLI chipset incorporates six Serial ATA connectors
with high performance RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 functions, the Marvell®88SE6121
controller provides two external Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, 1, 10 and
5 functions, and the Marvell®88SE6320 controller provides two internal SAS
connectors for RAID 0 and 1 functions, making this motherboard an ideal solution
to enhance hard disk performance and data back up protection without the cost of
add-on cards. See page 2-22, 2-26 and 2-27 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 page 2-21 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 page 2-21 and 2-23 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network
gateway for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability
ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-21 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality 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
multi-channel network games. See page 2-21 to 2-22 for details.