Asus P7P55D PREMIUM User manual

Motherboard
P7P55D

ii
E4977
Second Edition
August 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.

iii
Contents
Contents...................................................................................................................... iii
Notices ...................................................................................................................... vii
Safety information.................................................................................................... viii
About this guide......................................................................................................... ix
P7P55D specications summary.............................................................................. xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! .................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents....................................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features.......................................................................................... 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights........................................................................ 1-2
1.3.2 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor .................................. 1-3
1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Phase ........................................ 1-3
1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS ............................................. 1-3
1.3.5 ASUS Exclusive Features........................................................... 1-4
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 ...................................................................... 2-19
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................................... 2-19
2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................................ 2-20
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card......................................................2-20
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ................................................. 2-20
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments................................................................ 2-21
2.5.4 PCI slots.................................................................................... 2-22
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots................................................................. 2-22
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots......................................................... 2-22

iv
Contents
2.6 Onboard switch ........................................................................................ 2-24
2.7 Jumpers .................................................................................................... 2-25
2.8 Connectors ............................................................................................... 2-27
2.8.1 Rear panel connectors.............................................................. 2-27
2.8.2 Audio I/O connections............................................................... 2-28
2.8.3 Internal connectors.................................................................... 2-31
2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) .......................................... 2-40
2.9 Onboard LEDs .......................................................................................... 2-41
2.10 Starting up for the rst time.................................................................... 2-42
2.11 Turning off the computer......................................................................... 2-42
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Updating BIOS............................................................................................ 3-1
3.2.1 ASUS Update utility.....................................................................3-1
3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility............................................................... 3-5
3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility................................................... 3-6
3.3 BIOS setup program .................................................................................. 3-6
Entering BIOS Setup at startup.................................................................... 3-6
Entering BIOS Setup after POST................................................................. 3-6
3.3.1 BIOS menu screen...................................................................... 3-7
3.3.2 Menu bar ..................................................................................... 3-7
3.3.3 Navigation keys........................................................................... 3-8
3.3.4 Menu items.................................................................................. 3-8
3.3.5 Submenu items ........................................................................... 3-8
3.3.6 Conguration elds ..................................................................... 3-8
3.3.7 Pop-up window............................................................................ 3-8
3.3.8 Scroll bar ..................................................................................... 3-8
3.3.9 General help................................................................................ 3-8
3.4 Main menu .................................................................................................. 3-9
3.4.1 SATA 1-6 ..................................................................................... 3-9
3.4.2 Storage Conguration ............................................................... 3-11
3.4.3 AHCI Conguration ................................................................... 3-11
3.4.4 System Information ................................................................... 3-12
3.5 Ai Tweaker menu...................................................................................... 3-13
3.5.1 OC Tuner Utility......................................................................... 3-13
3.5.2 OC Tuner limit Value ................................................................3-13
3.5.3 Ai Overclock Tuner ................................................................... 3-14
3.5.4 CPU Ratio Setting .................................................................... 3-14

v
Contents
3.5.5 Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech .................................................. 3-15
3.5.6 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech .......................................................... 3-15
3.5.7 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode .............................................. 3-15
3.5.8 DRAM Frequency ..................................................................... 3-15
3.5.9. DRAM Timing Control .............................................................. 3-15
3.5.10 CPU Differential Amplitude ....................................................... 3-17
3.5.11 CPU Clock Skew ...................................................................... 3-17
3.5.12 CPU Voltage Mode [Offset] ...................................................... 3-17
3.5.13 IMC Voltage ............................................................................. 3-18
3.5.14 DRAM Voltage ......................................................................... 3-18
3.5.15 CPU PLL Voltage ..................................................................... 3-18
3.5.16 PCH Voltage ............................................................................. 3-18
3.5.17 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B ...................................... 3-19
3.5.18 DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA/B ...................................... 3-19
3.5.19 Load-Line Calibration ............................................................... 3-19
3.5.20 CPU Spread Spectrum ............................................................. 3-19
3.5.21 PCIE Spread Spectrum ............................................................ 3-19
3.6 Advanced menu ....................................................................................... 3-20
3.6.1 CPU Conguration .................................................................... 3-20
3.6.2 North Bridge Conguration........................................................ 3-22
3.6.3 Onboard Device Conguration.................................................. 3-23
3.6.4 USB Conguration .................................................................... 3-24
3.6.5 PCIPnP ..................................................................................... 3-25
3.6.6 Intel VT-d Conguration ........................................................... 3-25
3.6.7 T.Probe ..................................................................................... 3-25
3.7 Power menu.............................................................................................. 3-25
3.7.1 Suspend Mode ......................................................................... 3-26
3.7.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ................................................... 3-26
3.7.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .....................................................................3-26
3.7.4 ACPI APIC Support .................................................................. 3-26
3.7.5 EuP Ready ............................................................................... 3-26
3.7.6 APM Conguration.................................................................... 3-27
3.7.7 Hardware Monitor...................................................................... 3-28
3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................ 3-29
3.8.1 Boot Device Priority................................................................... 3-29
3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ...................................................... 3-30
3.8.3 Security ..................................................................................... 3-31
3.9 Tools menu ............................................................................................... 3-33
3.9.1 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................................... 3-33

vi
Contents
3.9.2 AI NET 2.................................................................................... 3-34
3.9.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................................... 3-34
3.9.4 Express Gate ........................................................................... 3-35
3.10 Exit menu .................................................................................................. 3-36
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 ASUS PC Probe II....................................................................... 4-3
4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................................. 4-4
4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert..........................................................................4-5
4.3.4 ASUS EPU-6 Engine...................................................................4-6
4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate....................................................................4-7
4.3.6 VIA® High Denition Audio utility ................................................. 4-8
4.4 ASUS Unique Overclocking Utility—TurboV EVO................................... 4-9
4.4.1 Using ASUS TurboV.................................................................... 4-9
4.4.2 Using ASUS TurboV Auto Tuning Mode.................................... 4-10
4.4.3 Using ASUS Turbo Key............................................................. 4-11
4.5 RAID congurations ................................................................................ 4-12
4.5.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................ 4-12
4.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ................................................. 4-13
4.5.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS .................................................. 4-13
4.5.4 Intel®Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility..................... 4-13
4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk.....................................................................4-17
4.6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS................ 4-17
4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®.................................. 4-17
4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows®OS installation ...... 4-18
4.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive................................................... 4-18
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

vii
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://green.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.

viii
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.
• 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.
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.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5°C (41°F) and 40°C (104°F).
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
• 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.

ix
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™
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.

x
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.

xi
P7P55D specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel®Core™ i7 Processors/
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 sockets support unbuffered non-ECC
DDR3 2133(O.C.)* / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz
memeory modules
- Supports up to 16GB system memory
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Prole (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics
of individual CPUs. Some hyper DIMMs only support one
DIMM per channel.
** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)
Expansion Slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x 16 slots
- One slot at x16 mode (single, blue)
- One slot at x4 mode, 2.5GT/s (black)
2 x PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots (2.5GT/s)
3 x PCI slots
Multi-GPU Support Supports ATI®Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Storage Intel®P55 Express Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- Intel®Matrix Storage Technology supporting SATA RAID
0,1, 5, and 10
JMicron®JMB363 SATA & PATA controller
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
- 1 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (black)
- 1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go)
LAN Realtek®8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
USB 14 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at rear panel)
IEEE 1394 VIA®VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
(one at mid-board, one at rear panel)
Audio VIA® VT1828S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Absolute Pitch BD192/24
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC
- BD audio layer Content Protection
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming,
and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
ASUS Q-Design ASUS Q-Design:
- ASUS Q-LED (CPU, DRAM, VGA, Boot Device LED)
- ASUS Q-Slot
- ASUS Q-DIMM

xii
(continued on the next page)
P7P55D specications summary
ASUS Unique Features ASUS Hybrid Processor – ASUS TurboV EVO
- Auto Tuning, TurboV, and Turbo Key
ASUS Hybrid Phase
- T.Probe Technology for Active Cooling
- 12+2 Phase Power Design
ASUS Hybrid OS – Express Gate
ASUS Xtreme Design
ASUS Exclusive Features
- MemOK!
- ASUS EPU
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stylish Heat-sink solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Stack Cool 3
- ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Crystal Sound
- ASUS Noise Filter
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS O.C. Prole
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS My Logo 2
- Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking Features
Precision Tweaker 2:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.00625V increment
- vIMC: 49-step IMC voltage control
- vDRAM Bus: 81-step DRAM voltage control
- vPCH: 2-step chipset voltage control
- vCPU PLL: 4-step reference voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- Internal Base Clock tuning from 80MHz up to 500 MHz at
1MHz increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to 200MHz
at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back Panel I/O Ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (Purple)
1 x PS/2 Mouse port (Green)
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out
1 x IEEE1394a
1 x eSATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA on-the-go)
1 x RJ45 port
8 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel Audio I/O

xiii
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
P7P55D specications summary
Internal I/O Connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x IDE connector
7 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x COM port connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connectors
System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! button
BIOS Features 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS
2.5, 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)

xiv

ASUS P7P55D 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P7P55D 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.
User Manual
ASUS P7P55D motherboard User guide Support DVD
4 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/
100/66 cable 1 x ASUS Q-Shield
1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit
• If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
• The illustrated items above are for your reference only. Actual product specications
may vary with different models.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the
use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating
environment-friendly and recyclable products/packagings to safeguard consumers’ health
while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel® 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. Refer to page
2-5 for details.
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.
PCIe 2.0 support
Double Speed; Double Bandwidth
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth that
enhances system performance. Refer to page 2-22 for details.
Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ support!
Flexible Multi-GPU solution, Your Weapon of Choice!
P7P55D brings you the multi-GPU choice of CrossFireX™. The motherboard features the
most powerful Intel® P55 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.
Dual-Channel DDR3 DDR3 2133 (O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2133(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. Refer to page 2-10 for
details.

ASUS P7P55D 1-3
Chapter 1
1.3.2 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Processor
TurboV EVO
Ultimate O.C. Processor
The ultimate O.C. processor satises every level of overclockers—from die-hard enthusiasts
to beginners. Auto tuning intelligently pushes the system to the fastest clock speeds while
maintaining stability. Turbo Key boosts performance with just one touch; while TurboV offers
more options to advanced overclockers to achieve world O.C. record. Refer to page 4-9 for
details.
Auto Tuning
Auto System Level Up
Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level
up. This tool also provides stability testing. Even O.C. beginners can achieve extreme yet
stable overclocking results with Auto Tuning! Refer to page 4-10 for details.
1.3.3 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid Phase
T.Probe
Leading Active Cooling Technology
The T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in real-
time. This feature optimizes the power phase functions, allowing components to run at lower
temperatures and extending their lifespan.
ASUS 12+2 Phase Power Design
Unprecedented Innovation with the Best Quality Component for Best Performance
The groundbreaking 12+2 phase VRM design is brought to the ASUS motherboards. 12+2
phase power design, 12-phase for vCore and extra 2-phase for Memory controller inside
CPU can provide the highest power efciency, and hence generates less heat to effectively
enhance the overclocking capability. With the high quality power components such as low
RDS (on) MOSFETs, Ferrite core chokes with lower hysteresis loss and 100% Japan-made
high quality conductive polymer capacitors, ASUS 12+2 phase VRM design also ensure
longer component life and minimum power loss.
1.3.4 ASUS Xtreme Design—Hybrid OS
ASUS Express Gate
Instant Online! Instant Fun!
Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet
and key applications without entering the Windows®OS. Refer to page 3-36 and 4-7 for
details.
The actual boot time is subject to hardware congurations and product models.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
1.3.5 ASUS Exclusive Features
MemOK!
Any Memory is A-OK!
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 button 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. Refer to page 2-24 for details.
ASUS EPU
System Level Energy Saving
The new ASUS EPU—the world’s rst power saving engine, has been upgraded to a new 6
engine version, which provides total system power savings by detecting current PC loadings
and intelligently moderating power in real-time. With auto phase switching for components
(which includes the CPU, VGA card, memory, chipset, hard drives and CPU cooler / system
fans), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent
acceleration and overclocking—helping save power and money. Refer to page 4-6 for details.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions
ASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhances the overclocking
capability.
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-sink solution
The heat sink design effectively directs the chipsets’ generated heat to the heatsink
near the back I/O ports, where the generated heat is carried away by the existing
airow from the CPU fan. This innovative and groundbreaking design effectively lowers
the system temperature by 10˚C, prevents any problems that are typical to standard
chipsets, and allows you to install a side-ow fan or passive cooler. The heat sink
design provides you with the most reliable fanless thermal solution.
Up to 20ºC (36ºF) Cooler—Stack Cool 3
Effective Fanless Heat Dissipation at 0dB
Stack Cool 3 is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively
and noiselessly transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side
of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for effective heat dissipation—
making temperatures cooler by up to 20˚C.
Fan Xpert
Active Quiet & Cool
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan
speed according to different ambient temperature, which is caused by different climate
conditions in different geographic regions and system loading. Built-in variety of useful
proles offer exible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
Refer to page 4-5 for details.

ASUS P7P55D 1-5
Chapter 1
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video
conference and recording.
ASUS Noise Filter
Eliminate background noise while recording
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air
conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio
stream while recording.
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you with easy ways to install computer components,
update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Design
DIY quickly, DIY easily!
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot and Q-DIMM
design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
Easy and Comfortable Installations
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—making
it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects
your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic
Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
Make connection quick and accurate!
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables
in one easy step with one complete module. This unique module eliminates the trouble
of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and accurate. Refer to
page 2-40 for details.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB ash drive before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update
BIOS from a USB ash drive before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only in
a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based ash
utility. Refer to page 3-5 for details.
ASUS O.C. Prole
Conveniently restore or load multiple BIOS settings
Freely share and distribute favorite overclocking settings. The motherboard features
the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS
settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users
freedom to share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings. Refer to page 3-34
for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 1
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 Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the available
options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you congure your system easier and faster.