Asus P5Q-E Instructions for use

Motherboard
P5Q-E

ii
E3914
Second Edition
May 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
P5Q-E specications summary................................................................ 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 unique features .................................................... 1-3
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and
overclocking features ...................................................... 1-7
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-2
2.2.2 Layout contents............................................................... 2-3
2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4
2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan................................ 2-9
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-10
2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11
2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-12
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
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-19
2.5.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 2-20

iv
Contents
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-20
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots............................................. 2-20
2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slot..................................... 2-20
2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-22
2.7 Onboard switches...................................................................... 2-24
2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-25
2.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-27
2.9 Starting up for the rst time...................................................... 2-40
2.10 Turning off the computer........................................................... 2-41
2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................. 2-41
2.10.2 Using the dual function power switch............................ 2-41
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1
3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1
3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 3-4
3.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 3-5
3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-7
3.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 3-8
3.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 3-8
3.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 3-8
3.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 3-9
3.2.5 Sub-menu items.............................................................. 3-9
3.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 3-9
3.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 3-9
3.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 3-9
3.2.9 General help ................................................................... 3-9
3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-10
3.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-10
3.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-10
3.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 3-10
3.3.4 Language ...................................................................... 3-10
3.3.5 SATA 1-6 ........................................................................3-11
3.3.6 Storage Conguration ................................................... 3-12
3.3.7 AHCI Conguration ....................................................... 3-13

v
Contents
3.3.8 System Information ....................................................... 3-14
3.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 3-15
3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................... 3-15
3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting ........................................................ 3-16
3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge ........................................... 3-16
3.4.4 DRAM Frequency ........................................................ 3-16
3.4.5 DRAM CLK Skew on Channel A1/A2/B1/B2 ................ 3-17
3.4.6 DRAM Timing Control .................................................. 3-17
3.4.7 DRAM Static Read Control .......................................... 3-18
3.4.8 DRAM Read Training ................................................... 3-19
3.4.9 MEM. OC Charger ........................................................ 3-19
3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister ............................................................ 3-19
3.4.11 Ai Transaction Booster ................................................. 3-19
3.4.12 CPU Voltage ............................................................... 3-20
3.4.13 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(0/2) ................................ 3-20
3.4.14 CPU GTL Voltage Reference(1/3) ................................ 3-20
3.4.15 CPU PLL Voltage ......................................................... 3-20
3.4.16 FSB Termination Voltage .............................................. 3-20
3.4.17 DRAM Voltage ............................................................. 3-20
3.4.18 NB Voltage ................................................................... 3-20
3.4.19 NB GTL Voltage Reference .......................................... 3-21
3.4.20 SB Voltage ................................................................... 3-21
3.4.21 PCIE SATA Voltage ...................................................... 3-21
3.4.22 Load-Line Calibration ................................................... 3-21
3.4.23 CPU Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-21
3.4.24 PCIE Spread Spectrum ................................................ 3-22
3.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-23
3.5.1 TPM Conguration ........................................................ 3-23
3.5.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-24
3.5.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 3-26
3.5.4 Onboard Device Conguration...................................... 3-27
3.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-28
3.5.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 3-29
3.6 Power menu................................................................................ 3-30
3.6.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 3-30

vi
Contents
3.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................ 3-30
3.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 3-30
3.6.4 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 3-30
3.6.5 APM Conguration........................................................ 3-31
3.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-32
3.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-34
3.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-34
3.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-35
3.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-36
3.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-38
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 3-38
3.8.2 Drive Xpert Control ...................................................... 3-39
3.8.3 Drive Xpert Mode Update ............................................. 3-39
3.8.4 Express Gate ................................................................ 3-40
3.8.5 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 3-41
3.8.6 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 3-42
3.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 3-43
Chapter 4: Software support
4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1
4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1
4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 4-2
4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3
4.2.4 Make disk menu.............................................................. 4-5
4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-6
4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6
4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-7
4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9
4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™........................................................... 4-9
4.3.2 AI NET2 .........................................................................4-11
4.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 4-12
4.3.4 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 4-18
4.3.5 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 4-20
4.3.6 ASUS Fan Xpert ........................................................... 4-21
4.3.7 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 4-23

vii
Contents
4.3.8 ASUS EPU—6 Engine .................................................. 4-24
4.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link ...................................................... 4-28
4.3.10 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility)... 4-30
4.3.11 ASUS Drive Xpert ......................................................... 4-39
4.3.12 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................... 4-50
4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-60
4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-60
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 4-61
4.4.3 Intel® RAID congurations............................................. 4-61
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 4-69
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 4-69
4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-69
Appendix: CPU features
A.1 Intel®EM64T..................................................................................A-1
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
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.
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 switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: 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 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
• Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.

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 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 /iP5Q-E.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
P5Q-E specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Extreme /
Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Pentium®dual-core /
Celeron®dual-core / Celeron®Processors
Compatible with Intel®05B/05A/06 processors
Intel®45nm Multi-Core CPU support
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Intel®P45 / ICH10R with Intel®Fast Memory Access
Technology
System Bus 1600 / 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz
Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16GB, DDR2 1200 / 1066 / 800 /
667 MHz, non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows 32-bit operation system may onlyl recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.
Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots, support ATI CrossFireX™
technology at x8 link (PCIe x16_1 blue, PCIe x16_2
black*)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot at max. x4 link (black)
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
*PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (black, at max. x8 link)
Multi-GPU Support Supports ATI CrossFireX™ technology, up to Quad
CrossFireX™
Storage Intel®ICH10R Southbridge:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel®Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1,
5, and 10
Marvell 88SE6121 controller:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)
Silicon Image SIL5723 controller (Drive Xpert
technology):
- 2 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Supports EZ Backup and Super Speed
LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers
Marvell®88E8056 / 88E8001 Gigabit LAN controller
featuring AI NET2, Teaming and Redundant
IEEE 1394 LSI®L-FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at midboard; one at back panel)

xiii
(continued on the next page)
P5Q-E specications summary
Audio ADI® AD2000B 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Detecting, Multi-streaming, and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking
- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
- ASUS AI Audio 2
- ASUS Noise-Filtering
USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back
panel)
ASUS Unique Features ASUS Exclusive Features:
- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design
- ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Power Saving Solution:
- ASUS EPU-6 Engine
- ASUS AI Nap
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 2
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Drive Xpert
- ASUS DieHard BIOS
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS AI Direct Llink
- ASUS Onboard Switch
ASUS Stylish Features ASUS MyLogo3™
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
ASUS AI Booster utility
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V
increment
- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset (N.B.): 55-step chipset voltage control
- vCPU PLL: 64-step CPU PLL voltage control
- vFSB Termination: 40-step voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection)
- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz
increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to
180MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)

xiv
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
P5Q-E specications summary
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse combo port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical) port
1 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE1394a port
2 x RJ45 ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports
Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors (Red)
1 x CPU Fan connector
3 x Chassis Fan connectors
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
2 x Drive Xpert SATA connectors (Orange)
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x TPM connector
1 x Power on switch
1 x Reset switch
BIOS Features 16 Mb AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.4
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE,
Chassis Intrusion
Support DVD Contents Drivers
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
Image-Editing Suite
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form Factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

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

ASUS P5Q-E
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5Q-E 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5Q-E 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 P5Q-E
I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 and 1-port 1394 (4-pin) module
Cables 1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cables
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system
panel; Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
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/packagings 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. See page 2-5 for details.
Intel P45 Chipset
The Intel®P45 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support dual-
channel DDR2 800 / 667 architecture, 1333 / 1066 / 800 FSB (Front Side Bus),
PCIe 2.0, and multi-core CPUs. It especially includes Intel®Fast Memory Access
technology that signicantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwidth and
reduces the latency of the memory accesses.
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 2-20–2-21 for details.
Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/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 2-26 and
2-29 for details.

ASUS P5Q-E 1-3
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 2-25 for details.
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime! See
page 3-40 and 4-50 for details.
ASUS 8-Phase Power Design
Longer life & higher efciency!
With power efciency so important to operating temperature, ASUS’ 8-phase
VRM design leads the industry with its 96% power efciency. High quality power
components such as low RDS (on) MOSFETs for minimum switching loss & lower
temperature, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss, and high quality
Japanese-made conductive polymer capacitors all add up to ensure longer
component life and lower power loss—creating more energy efciency.
ASUS Power Saving Solution
ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced
computing power and energy consumption.
ASUS EPU-6 Engine
The new ASUS EPU—the world’s rst power saving engine, has been
upgraded to a new 6 engine version, which provides total system power
savings by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power
in real-time. With auto phase switching for components (which includes the
CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, hard drives and CPU cooler / system
fans), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via
intelligent acceleration and overclocking - helping save power and money.
See page 4-24 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
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. See page 4-20 for
details.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
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.
Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
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. Furthermore, it
provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive cooler. The Heat
Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
For optimal cooling performance, remove the protect lm attached on the
ICH10R southbridge before use.
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis
fan speed according to different ambient temperature, which is caused
by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system
loading. Built-in variety of useful proles offer exible controls of fan speed to
achieve a quiet and cool environment. See page 4-21 for details.