Asus P7P55-M User manual

Motherboard
P7P55-M

ii
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.
E5073
First Edition V1
October 2009

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
P7P55-M 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 ............................................... 1-2
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-6
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan...............................1-11
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-12
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-13
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-14
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-19
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-19
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-20
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-20
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-20
1.8.3 PCI slot ......................................................................... 1-20
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 1-20
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-20
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-21
1.11 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-23
1.11.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-23
1.11.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-24

iv
Contents
1.12 Software support........................................................................ 1-30
1.12.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-30
1.12.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-30
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................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS................................................... 2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater....................................................... 2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 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 Language ........................................................................ 2-8
2.3.3 SATA 1-6............................................................................................ 2-8
2.3.4 Storage Conguration ..................................................... 2-9
2.3.5 System Information ....................................................... 2-10
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 2-10
2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-15
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-15
2.5.2 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-17
2.5.3 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-17
2.5.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-18
2.5.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-19
2.5.6 Intel VT-d....................................................................... 2-19
2.6 Power menu................................................................................ 2-20
2.6.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-20
2.6.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................... 2-20
2.6.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 2-20
2.6.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-20
2.6.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-21
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-22
2.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-22

v
Contents
2.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-22
2.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-23
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-25
2.8.1 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 2-25
2.8.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-26
2.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-26
2.8.4 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-26
2.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-27

vi
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.
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.
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.
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.

vii
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 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.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is dened as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION, AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
• Never dispose of the battery in re. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
• RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
• DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE BATTERY-RELATED
INSTRUCTIONS.
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 that 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 motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5ºC (41ºF) and 40ºC (104ºF).

viii
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure 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.
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.
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>
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: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

ix
P7P55-M specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel®Core™ i7/ Core™ i5 processors
Supports Intel®Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list.
Chipset Intel®P55 Express Chipset
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered
non-ECC DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/
1800(O.C.)/1600/1333 /1066MHz memory modules
* Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less
than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system
memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating
system.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x1 slots
1 x PCI slot
Storage Intel®P55 Express Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
- Intel®Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1, 5,
and 10
VIA®VT6415 PATA controller:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector
LAN Realtek® RTL8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking technologies
IEEE 1394 JMB381 controller supports 1 x IEEE1394 port at back panel.
USB Supports up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board,
8 ports at the back panel)
ASUS unique
features
ASUS Turbo Key
ASUS TurboV
ASUS EPU
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2

x
P7P55-M specications summary
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 133 MHz up to 500MHz
at 1MHz increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to
160MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x COM port
1 x IEEE1394
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports
Internal I/O
connectors
3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1
ports
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU fan/1 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x LPT connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
BIOS 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a
Accessories 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor microATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.6 in (24.4 cm x 21.8 cm)
* Specications are subject to change without notice.

ASUS P7P55-M 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
Motherboard ASUS P7P55-M motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User Manual
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® LGA1156 Lynneld Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Lynneld processors in
LGA1156 package, which has memory and PCI Express controller
integrated to support 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI
Express 2.0 lanes, providing great graphics performance. Intel® Lynneld
processor is one of the most powerful and energy efcient CPU in the
world.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P7P55-M 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.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Intel®P55
The Intel®P55 Express Chipset is the latest one-chipset design to
support the latest 1156 socket Intel®Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 processors.
Intel® P55 provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point
links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 2200(O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher
bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and
Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the
bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.
PCI Express 2.0
This motherboard supports the latest PCI Express 2.0 devices for double
speed and bandwidth that enhances system performance.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)
3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced salability and doubling
the bus bandwidth for high-speed data saving and retrieval.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home
theater audio systems via the S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital
Interface) jack. It allows digital audio transfer and keeps the best signal
quality.
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.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
Turbo Key
ASUS Turbo Key allows you to turn the PC power button into a physical
overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost
performances without interrupting ongoing work or games—with just one
touch!
ASUS TurboV
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS
TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or
rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just
a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC proles in TurboV provides
the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.

ASUS P7P55-M 1-3
ASUS EPU
ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current
system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time.
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick
access to the Internet. Five seconds after powering on your computer,
you can instantly surf the Internet without entering the Windows®OS.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and ash
drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or
ash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the
computer.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB
drives. It supports le downloading to USB drives only.
• ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. Refer to support.asus.com
for Express Gate source codes.
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.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color
boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.
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 USB
ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using an OS-based utility.
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after
turning on the system, and any faulty cable connections are reported
back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.

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.

ASUS P7P55-M 1-5
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, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. 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 must 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.
P7P55-M
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
P7P55-M Onboard LED

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the
motherboard ts into it.
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.
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.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
P7P55-M

ASUS P7P55-M 1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
P7P55-M
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
LPT USB1314 USB1112 USB910
USBPW9-14
AAFP
ATX12V
USBPW1-8
KBPWR
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
AUDIO
ICS
9LRS954
VIA
VT1708
RTL
8112L
KB_USB78
16Mb
BIOS
JMB
381
SB_PWR
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
21.8cm(8.6in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
LGA1156
Intel®
P55
DDR3 DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
LAN1_USB12
F_USB34
USB56
SATA1
SATA3
SATA5
SATA2
SATA4
SATA6
COM1
PRI_EIDE
PANEL
321 64 5 3
7
8
911012 1114 1315
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-8, 3-pin
USBPW9-14)
1-22 9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 1-29
2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-22 10. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB910,
USB1112, USB1314)
1-27
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin
ATX12V)
1-26 11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-21
4. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin
CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)
1-27 12. Onboard LED 1-5
5. Intel CPU socket 1-8 13. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) 1-28
6. DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-13 14. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-26
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE) 1-25 15. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-24
8. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 1-28

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel®
Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 processors.
Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.
• 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
LGA1156 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.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
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),
and then move it to the right (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab
P7P55-M
P7P55-M CPU socket LGA1156

ASUS P7P55-M 1-9
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow until the load plate is completely
lifted.
Load plate
4. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU
socket.
PnP cap
The CPU ts in only one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the CPU
into the socket to prevent bending
the connectors on the socket and
damaging the CPU!
Gold
triangle
mark
Alignment keys
CPU notches
5. Position the CPU over the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the socket, and then
t the socket alignment keys into the CPU
notches.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
7. Close the load plate (A), and then push
down the load lever (B), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention knob (C).
B
A
C
8. Insert the load lever under the retention
tab.
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.
Some heatsinks come with pre-
applied thermal paste. If so, skip this
step.
The Thermal Interface Material is
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it. If
it gets into your eyes or touches your
skin, wash it off immediately, and seek
professional medical help.