Asus P5QPL-VM EPU User manual

Motherboard
P5QPL-VM EPU

iv
E4538
First Edition V1
March 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

v
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
P5QPL-VM EPU specications summary................................................. ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-5
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-5
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-5
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-6
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-6
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-7
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-7
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 1-10
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................1-11
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-11
1.7.1 Overview ........................................................................1-11
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-12
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-18
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-18
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-19
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-19
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-19
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-19
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 1-19
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-19
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-20
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-22
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-22
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-24

vi
Contents
1.11 Software support........................................................................ 1-31
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-31
1.11.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-31
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-5
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 2-6
2.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 2-6
2.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 2-6
2.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 2-7
2.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 2-7
2.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 2-7
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 2-7
2.2.8 Scroll bar......................................................................... 2-7
2.2.9 General help ................................................................... 2-7
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-8
2.3.1 System Time ................................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................... 2-8
2.3.3 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1/2/3/4......................... 2-8
2.3.4 Storage Conguration ..................................................... 2-9
2.3.5 System Information ......................................................... 2-9
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 2-10
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-12
2.4.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-13
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-14
2.4.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-15
2.4.6 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-15
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-16
2.5.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-16
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 2-16

vii
Contents
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 2-16
2.5.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-16
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ........................................................ 2-17
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-18
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-18
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-18
2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-19
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-20
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-20
2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-21
2.7.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-21
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-22

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.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and
Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical
substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/
english/REACH.htm.

ix
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet
before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables
for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible,
disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are
not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local
power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

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.
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used
throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to
complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

xi
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme
/ Core™2 Duo / Celeron®E1000 Series and 400 Series
processors
Supports Intel®45nm multi-core CPU
Supports Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology and
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST)
* Refer to www.asus.com for the Intel CPU support list
Chipset Northbridge: Intel®G41
Southbridge: Intel®ICH7
Front side bus 1333/1066/800MHz
Memory Dual channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC
1066(O.C)/800/667MHz DDR2 memory modules
Supports up to 8GB system memory
* When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize
less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended if you are using a Windows®
32-bit operating system.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors Lists).
Expansion slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot
1 x PCIe x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage Intel®ICH7 southbridge supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66 connector
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
LAN Atheros L1E PCIe Gigabit LAN
Audio Realtek ALC887 High Denition Audio 8-channel CODEC
Supports Jack-detect and Multi-streaming technologies
Supports S/PDIF_OUT interface
USB Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at mid-board,
4 ports at the back panel)
ASUS overclocking
features
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz
increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
P5QPL-VM EPU specications summary
continued on the next page

xii
P5QPL-VM EPU specications summary
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS special features ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS MyLogo2
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS EPU-4 Engine
ASUS Turbo Key
Back panel ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x DVI port
1 x HDMI port
1 x Optical S/PDIF_OUT port
1 x VGA port
1 x RJ-45 port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports
Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4
USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x COM connector
4 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 1 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x S/PDIF_OUT connector
1 x LPT connector
1 x High denition front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS2.5, ACPI2.0a
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Ultra DMA 100/66 cable
1 x I/O shield
1x User Manual
Form factor MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.2 in (24.4cm x 20.8cm)

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5QPL-VM EPU 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.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Ultra DMA 100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD
Documentations User Manual
Intel®Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo CPU
support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 processors in the
LGA775 package and Intel®45nm multi-core processors. With the new
Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800MHz FSB,
the Intel®Core™2 processors are among the most powerful CPUs in the
world.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel®G41 Chipset
The Intel®G41 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support
dual-channel DDR2 1066(O.C)/800/667 architecture, 1333/1066/800
Front Side Bus (FSB) and multi-core CPUs. It provides digital home
entertainment of full 1080p high-denition video playback, including Blu-ray
disc movies, with the next-generation Intel®Graphics Media Acceleratior
4500. The Intel® G41 Express Chipset delivers optimized 3D graphics
performance and supports Microsoft DirectX10, Shader Model 4.0 and
OpenGL 2.1. It especially includes Intel®Fast Memory Access technology
that signicantly optimizes the use of available memory bandwith and
reduces the latency of the memory accesses.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
HDMI support
HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is the rst and only industry-
supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single
cable and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc
and other protected content.
HDMI/DVI/RGB support
This motherboard supports digital HDMI/DVI and analog D-Sub standards.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display
devices like LCD monitors.
8-channel high denition audio
The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously
codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio
output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identies what
types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and noties users
of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more confusion
of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard supports the SONY-PHILIPS Digtal Interface
(S/PDIF_OUT). It allows to transfer digital audio without converting it to
analog format and keeps the best signal quality.

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU 1-3
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick
access to the Internet. A few seconds after bootup, you can instantly surf
the Internet without entering the Windows®OS.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drives,
and downloading to USB drives only.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your
system.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore
a corrupted BIOS le using the bundled support DVD or a USB ash disk
that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 allows you to update the BIOS from a USB ash disk
before entering the OS.
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to
system loading to ensure a quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) is a unique power saving technology
that detects the current system loadings and adjusts the power
consumption in real time.
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after
you turn on the system and any faulty cable connections are reported back
up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.
ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into an
overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key boosts performances
without interrupting ongoing work or games, simply through pressing the
button.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The BIOS C.P.R. feature automatically restores the CPU default settings
when the system hangs due to overclocking failure. C.P.R. eliminates the
need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut
down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU
parameters to their default settings.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with
the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/
packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on
the environment.
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to
static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, switch off the ATX power supply and
detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts into it.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in
the image below.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-21 10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-30
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8) 1-21 11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 1-26
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-29 12. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-24
4. CPU, power, and chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, and 3-pin CHA_FAN)
1-27 13. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-4
5. LGA775 CPU socket 1-7 14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 1-24
6. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-11 15. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-27
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-25 16. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-28
8. SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) 1-26 17. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-28
9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-20 18. PCIe x16 / PCIe x1 / PCI slots 1-19

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Celeron®E1000 Series and 400 Series
processors.
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the
socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing,
or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.
ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA775 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.
• Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
• Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN connector to ensure system stability.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load
lever is on your left.
This motherboard supports Intel®LGA775 processors with the Intel®Hyper-Threading
Technology and Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST).

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
To prevent damage to the socket pins,
DO NOT remove the PnP cap unless
you are installing a CPU.
2. Press the load lever with your thumb
(A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow to a 135º angle.
4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and
forenger to a 100º angle (4A), then
push the PnP cap from the load plate
window to remove (4B).
Load plate
PnP cap
4A
4B
3
5. Position the CPU over the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the socket then t the
socket alignment key into the CPU notch.
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment key
CPU notch

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU 1-9
7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into the
retention tab. A
B
6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.
DO NOT eat the Thermal Interface Material. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin,
ensure that you wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help.
Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.
To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger directly.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel®LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to
ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly
such that the CPU fan cable is closest
to the CPU fan connector.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed
CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners
match the holes on the motherboard.
A
A
B
B
1
1
AB
BA
• When you buy a boxed Intel®processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®-certied
multi-directional heatsink and fan.
• Your Intel®LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires
no tool to install.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you have
properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you
install the heatsink and fan assembly.
2. Push down two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to secure the
heatsink and fan assembly in place.
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and
functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only.
3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the
connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
DO NOT forget to connect the
CPU fan connector! Hardware
monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.