Asus P6X58-E PRO User manual

Motherboard
P6X58-E PRO

ii
E6356
First Edition (V1)
March 2011
Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
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etc to this email address).

iii
Contents
Notices ..................................................................................................................... viii
Safety information...................................................................................................... ix
About this guide.......................................................................................................... x
P6X58-E PRO 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 Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM ........................... 1-3
1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features........................................................... 1-3
1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions................................................... 1-4
1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY.............................................................................. 1-4
1.3.6 Other special features................................................................. 1-5
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 ....................................................................... 2-5
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan............................................ 2-8
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan........................................ 2-9
2.4 System memory ....................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................................... 2-10
2.4.2 Memory congurations.............................................................. 2-11
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
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot................................................................... 2-20
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots......................................................... 2-20

iv
Contents
2.6 Jumpers .................................................................................................... 2-22
2.7 Onboard switches .................................................................................... 2-23
2.8 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................................... 2-26
2.9 Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-27
2.9.1 Rear panel connectors.............................................................. 2-27
2.8.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-28
2.9.3 Internal connectors.................................................................... 2-31
2.9.4 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) .......................................... 2-39
2.10 Starting up for the rst time.................................................................... 2-40
2.11 Turning off the computer......................................................................... 2-40
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Updating BIOS............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2.1 ASUS Update utility.....................................................................3-2
3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility............................................................... 3-4
3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 3-5
3.3 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-6
3.3.1 BIOS menu screen...................................................................... 3-6
3.3.2 Menu bar ..................................................................................... 3-6
3.3.3 Navigation keys........................................................................... 3-7
3.3.4 Menu items.................................................................................. 3-7
3.3.5 Submenu items ........................................................................... 3-7
3.3.6 Conguration elds ..................................................................... 3-7
3.3.7 Pop-up window............................................................................ 3-7
3.3.8 Scroll bar ..................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.9 General help................................................................................ 3-7
3.4 Main menu .................................................................................................. 3-8
3.4.1 SATA 1–6 .................................................................................... 3-8
3.4.2 Storage Conguration ............................................................... 3-10
3.4.3 AHCI Conguration ................................................................... 3-11
3.4.4 System Information ................................................................... 3-11
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu...................................................................................... 3-12
3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] ......................................................... 3-13
3.5.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]...........................................................3-13
3.5.3 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] ................................... 3-13
3.5.4 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled] ..........................................3-13
3.5.5 Vcore Power Phase [Enabled] .................................................. 3-14

v
Contents
3.5.6 BCLK Frequency [XXX].............................................................3-14
3.5.7 PCIE Frequency [XXX]..............................................................3-14
3.5.8 DRAM Frequency [Auto] ........................................................... 3-14
3.5.9 UCLK Frequency [XXX] ............................................................ 3-14
3.5.10 QPI Link Data Rate [Auto]......................................................... 3-14
3.5.11 Start auto tuning........................................................................ 3-14
3.5.12 DRAM Timing Control [Auto] ..................................................... 3-14
3.5.13 CPU Voltage Control [Manual] .................................................. 3-16
3.5.14 CPU Voltage [Auto] .................................................................. 3-16
3.5.15 CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]............................................................ 3-17
3.5.16 QPI/DRAM Core Voltage [Auto] ................................................ 3-17
3.5.17 IOH Voltage [Auto] .................................................................... 3-17
3.5.18 IOH PCIE Voltage [Auto] ........................................................... 3-17
3.5.19 ICH Voltage [Auto]..................................................................... 3-17
3.5.20 ICH PCIE Voltage [Auto] ........................................................... 3-17
3.5.21 DRAM Bus Voltage [Auto] ......................................................... 3-17
3.5.22 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B/C [Auto] ......................... 3-18
3.5.23 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B/C [Auto]......................... 3-18
3.5.24 Duty Control [T.Probe]............................................................... 3-18
3.5.25 Phase Control [Extreme]........................................................... 3-18
3.5.26 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]......................................................3-18
3.5.27 CPU Current Capability [100%]................................................. 3-19
3.5.28 VRM Frequency [Auto].............................................................. 3-19
3.5.29 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto] ............................................. 3-19
3.5.30 CPU Clock Skew [Auto] ............................................................ 3-19
3.5.31 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] ................................................... 3-19
3.5.32 IOH Clock Skew [Auto].............................................................. 3-19
3.5.33 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] .................................................. 3-19
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-20
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.6.2 Chipset ...................................................................................... 3-23
3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration................................................ 3-24
3.6.4 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-26
3.6.5 PCIPnP ..................................................................................... 3-27
3.7 Power menu.............................................................................................. 3-28
3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]................................................................3-28
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ............................................ 3-28
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ..................................................... 3-28

vi
Contents
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]................................................... 3-28
3.7.5 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-29
3.7.6 Hardware Monitor...................................................................... 3-30
3.7.7 EuP Ready [Disabled] ............................................................... 3-31
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-32
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-32
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ...................................................... 3-33
3.8.3 Security ..................................................................................... 3-34
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-36
3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-36
3.9.2 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-37
3.9.3 AI NET 2.................................................................................... 3-38
3.9.4 Drive Xpert Conguration.......................................................... 3-39
3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-40
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 Obtaining the software manuals.................................................. 4-2
4.3 Software information ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.1 AI Suite II.....................................................................................4-3
4.3.2 DIGI+ VRM.................................................................................. 4-4
4.3.3 BT GO! ........................................................................................ 4-5
4.3.4 TurboV EVO................................................................................ 4-6
4.3.5 EPU............................................................................................. 4-9
4.3.6 FAN Xpert.................................................................................. 4-10
4.3.7 Probe II...................................................................................... 4-11
4.3.8 Audio congurations.................................................................. 4-12
4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................ 4-13
4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................ 4-13
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................. 4-14
4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................. 4-14
4.4.4 Intel®Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................ 4-15
4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-19
4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................ 4-19
4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................. 4-19
4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation ...... 4-19
4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive................................................... 4-20

vii
Contents
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1 ATI®CrossFireX™ technology .................................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 5-1
5.1.2 Before you begin......................................................................... 5-1
5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards ................................ 5-2
5.1.4 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 5-3
5.1.5 Enabling the ATI®CrossFireX™ technology ............................... 5-3
5.2 NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-4
5.2.1 Requirements.............................................................................. 5-4
5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ...................................... 5-4
5.2.3 Installing the device drivers......................................................... 5-5
5.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA®SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-5

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.
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://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
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.

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 adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure 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, ensure 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.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards
for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to
responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging
materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling
information in different regions.

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 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.
• Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI®CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA®SLI™ graphics cards.
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 ensure 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.
Italic s 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.that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.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> + <Del>
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.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

xii
P6X58-E PRO specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Intel®Socket 1366 Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition/
Core™ i7 Processors
Supports Intel®32nm CPU
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset Intel®X58 / ICH10R
System bus Up to 6.4GT/s; Intel®QuickPath Interconnect
Memory 6 x DIMM, max. 48GB*, DDR3 2200(O.C.)**/ 2133(O.C.)/
2000(O.C.)/ 1866(O.C.)/ 1600/ 1333/1066 MHz, non-ECC,
un-buffered memory
Triple channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
** Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics
of individual CPUs.
Expansion slots 3 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (at x16/x8/x8 or x16/x16/x1 mode)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA®3-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports ATI®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Storage Intel®ICH10R Southbridge
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (blue)
- Intel®Rapid Storage Technology supports SATA RAID 0, 1,
5, and 10
Marvell®PCIe 9128 SATA 6Gb/s controller with Hyper Duo
function
- 2 x SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports (navy blue)
JMicron®JMB362 SATA controller*
- 2 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
*These SATA ports are for data hard drives only. ATAPI devices
are not supported.
LAN Intel®82567 Gigabit LAN- Dual interconnect between the
Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)Integrated LAN controller and Physical Layer (PHY)
Bluetooth Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
ASUS BT GO! Utility
Audio Realtek® ALC889 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- BD audio layer Content Protection
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming, and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
IEEE 1394 VIA®6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (one at mid-
board; one at back panel)board; one at back panel)
USB NEC® USB 3.0 controller
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports (at back panel)
Intel®ICH10R Southbridge
- 10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
(4 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

xiii
(continued on the next page)
P6X58-E PRO specications summary
ASUS unique features ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors II:
ASUS Digital Power Design
- Industry leading Digital 8+2 Phase Power Design
- ASUS DIGI+ VRM Utility
ASUS TPU
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, TPU switch
ASUS EPU
- EPU
ASUS BT GO!
- Folder Sync, BT Transfer, Shot & Send, BT to Net, Music
Player, Personal Manager
ASUS BT Turbo Remote
- Exclusive Smartphone Interface supporting iPhone,
Android, Windows Mobile, and Symbian systems
ASUS Exclusive Features
- MemOK!
- AI Suite II
- AI Charger
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
- Multi-language BIOS
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS Q-Design ASUS Q-LED (DRAM LED)
ASUS Q-Slot
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse combo port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x Bluetooth module
2 x eSATA ports
1 x IEEE1394a
1 x RJ45 ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports

xiv
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
P6X58-E PRO specications summary
Internal I/O connectors 2 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 4 USB ports
2 x SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (navy blue)
6 x SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (blue)
2 x CPU Fan connectors (2 x 4-pin)
3 x Chassis Fan connectors (3 x 4-pin)
1 x Power Fan connectors (3-pin)
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x TPU switch
BIOS features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS,
ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX Form Factor, 12”x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

ASUS P6X58-E PRO 1-1
Chapter 1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P6X58-E PRO motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another
standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in
your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may
vary with different models.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1
User Manual
1 x ASUS P6X58-E PRO motherboard 1 x User guide
1 x Support DVD 2 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s cables
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x Q-shield
1 x 3-way SLI Bridge 1 x SLI Bridge

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel®Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition / Core™ i7 Processor support
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™ i7 processors in LGA1366 package with
integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory. Supports Intel®
QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4 GT/s and a max bandwidth of
up to 25.6 GB/s. Intel® Core™ i7 processor is one of the most powerful and energy efcient
CPUs in the world.
Intel®X58 Chipset
The Intel®X58 Express Chipset is one of the most powerful chipset designed to support
the Intel®Core™ i7 Processors with LGA1366 package and Intel®next generation system
interconnect interface, Intel®QuickPath Interconnect (QPI), providing improved performance
by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability. It also
supports up to 36 PCI Express 2.0 lanes providing better graphics performance.
Triple-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000(O.C.)/ 1866(O.C.)/ 1600/
1333/ 1066 support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of
2200(O.C.)/ 2133(O.C.)/ 2000(O.C.)/ 1866(O.C.)/ 1600/ 1333/ 1066MHz to meet the higher
bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The
triple-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost
system performance.
PCIe 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth
which enhances system performance.
3-Way SLI™ and Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support
The P6X58-E PRO breaks the boundaries to bring you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™
or CrossFireX™. The motherboard features a dedicated graphics engine on the most powerful
Intel® X58 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU congurations. Expect a brand-
new gaming style you’ve never experienced before! Refer to chapter 5 for details.
True USB 3.0 Support
Experience ultra-fast data transfers at 5.0 Gb/s with USB 3.0–the latest connectivity standard.
Built to connect easily with next-generation components and peripherals, USB 3.0 transfers
data 10X faster and is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 components.
True Serial ATA 6Gb/s support
Supporting the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) storage interface, this motherboard
delivers up to 6Gb/s data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data
retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.

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1.3.2 Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM
The world’s rst Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered the use of two onboard
chips—EPU (Energy Processing Unit) and TPU (TurboV Processing Unit). New generation
Dual Intelligent Processors 2 with DIGI+ VRM digital power design launch control into a new
era, empowering users with superior exibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized
performance and greater power efciency
DIGI+ VRM
The new ASUS DIGI+ VRM design upgrades motherboard power delivery to a digital
standard. The 8+2 digital architecture delivers precision power, intelligently adjusting PWM
voltage and frequency modulation with minimal power loss. Users can increase overclocking
range and maximize performance through BIOS tuning and exclusive user interface features.
Super Alloy Power chokes contain a metal compound instead of standard iron, supporting
of up to a massive 40A of rated current, or 25% higher than conventional chokes. Unibody-
constructed chokes also eliminate vibration noise, delivering improved performance and
durability even under extreme conditions. DIGI+ VRM digital power design with Super Alloy
Power enables users through superior exibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized
performance and greater power efciency.
TPU
Unleash your performance with ASUS' simple onboard switch or AI Suite II utility. The TPU
chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and TurboV
functions. Auto Tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically optimize the system for fast,
yet stable clock speeds, while TurboV enables unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequencies
and ratios for optimized performance in diverse situations.
EPU
Tap into the world's rst real-time PC power saving chip through a user-friendly interface.
Get total system-wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current PC loadings
and intelligently moderating power consumption. This also reduces fan noise and extends
component longevity!
1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Features
BT GO! (Bluetooth)
Onboard Bluetooth wireless design enables smart connectivity to Bluetooth devices with
no additional adapter. ASUS BT GO! comes with 7 special functions that offer signicant
breakthrough in Bluetooth evolution, including Folder Sync, BT Transfer, BT Turbo Remote,
BT-to-Net, Music Player, Shot and Send, and Personal Manager. All are accessible through
the exclusive, user-friendly ASUS interface.
MemOK!
Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more.
MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool
requires nothing but a push of a buttton to patch memory issues and get your system up and
running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically
improve your system booting success.

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AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the exclusive ASUS features
into one simple to use software package. It allows users to supervise overclocking, energy
management, fan speed control, voltage and sensor readings, and even interact with mobile
devices via Bluetooth. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with
no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.
1.3.4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
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. 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.
Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different
geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful proles offer exible
controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
1.3.5 ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS Onboard Switch
With an easy press during overclocking, the exclusive onboard switches allow gamers to
effortless ne-tune the performance without having to short the pins! Refer to page 2-23 for
details.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED and Q-Slot design speed up
and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables
to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system
panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a
bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

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ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows you to conveniently store or
load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate le,
giving you the freedom to share and distribute your favorite settings.
1.3.6 Other special features
DTS Surround Sensation Ultra PC
DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC delivers exceptional 5.1 surround experience through the
most common PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition
to virtual surround, “Bass enhancement” provides stronger low frequency bass sound, and
“Voice clarication” provides clear human dialogue even with loud background sound. With
these technologies, you may experience a better home-theater audio with ease.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires
products to meet certain energy efciency requirements in regards to energy consumptions.
This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efcient products
through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus
mitigate environmental impacts.

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