Asus P8H77-I User manual

Motherboard
P8H77-I

ii
Copyright © 2012 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
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OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
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etc to this email address).
E7426
Third Edition (V3)
May 2012

iii
Contents
Safety information ...................................................................................... vi
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
P8H77-I specications summary............................................................... ix
Chapter 1 Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-7
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-7
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-8
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-9
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 1-12
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-13
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-14
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-14
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-15
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-21
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-21
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-22
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-22
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-22
1.8.3 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 1-22
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-23
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-24
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-24
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-26
1.11 Software support........................................................................ 1-32
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-32
1.11.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-32

iv
Contents
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............................................................ 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater....................................................... 2-4
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-7
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-11
2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........................................2-11
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]........................................2-11
2.3.3 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ..................................................2-11
2.3.4 Security ..........................................................................2-11
2.4 Ai Tweaker menu........................................................................ 2-13
2.4.1 Memory Frequency [Auto]............................................. 2-14
2.4.2 iGPU Max. Frequency [xxx] .......................................... 2-14
2.4.3 GPU Boost [OK]............................................................ 2-14
2.4.4 DRAM Timing Control ................................................... 2-14
2.4.5 CPU Power Management ............................................. 2-14
2.4.6 CPU Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 2-15
2.4.7 iGPU Offset Voltage [Auto]............................................ 2-15
2.4.8 DRAM Voltage [Auto] .................................................... 2-15
2.4.9 VCCSA Voltage [Auto] .................................................. 2-16
2.4.10 PCH Voltage [Auto] ....................................................... 2-16
2.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-16
2.5.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-17
2.5.2 PCH Conguration ........................................................ 2-18
2.5.3 SATA Conguration ....................................................... 2-18
2.5.4 System Agent Conguration ......................................... 2-19
2.5.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-20
2.5.6 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-20
2.5.7 APM .............................................................................. 2-21
2.5.8 Network Stack............................................................... 2-21

v
Contents
2.6 Monitor menu ............................................................................. 2-22
2.6.1 CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]...... 2-23
2.6.2 CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A] 2-23
2.6.3 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ...................................... 2-23
2.6.4 Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] ................................. 2-24
2.6.5 CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage .. 2-24
2.6.6 Anti Surge Support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-24
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-25
2.7.1 Bootup NumLock State [On] ......................................... 2-25
2.7.2 Full Screen Logo [Enabled]........................................... 2-25
2.7.3 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]....................................... 2-25
2.7.4 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]........................... 2-26
2.7.5 Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ................................................. 2-26
2.7.6 UEFI/Legacy Boot [Enabled both UEFI and Legacy].... 2-26
2.7.7 Boot Option Priorities .................................................... 2-26
2.7.8 Boot Override................................................................ 2-26
2.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-27
2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ................................................ 2-27
2.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 2-27
2.8.3 ASUS SPD Information................................................. 2-27
2.9 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-28

vi
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.
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.

vii
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

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.
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>

ix
P8H77-I specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA1155 Socket for Intel® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 /
Pentium®/ Celeron®Processors
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0*
*The Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 support depends on the CPU types.
** Refer to www.asus.com for Intel®CPU support list.
Chipset Intel®H77 Express Chipset
Memory 2 x U-DIMM, maximum 16GB*, DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/2200(O.
C.)/2000(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1800(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz, non-
ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
* DDR3 1600 MHz and above memory frequency is supported by
Intel®3rd generation processors.
** The maximum 16GB memory capacity can be supported with
8GB or above DIMMs. ASUS will update the memory QVL
once the DIMMs are available in the market.
*** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualied
Vendors List).
**** When you install a total memory of 4GB capacity 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 3.0/2.0 x16 slot
* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will
be available when using PCIe 3.0-compliant devices. Please refer
to www.asus.com for updated details.
Graphics Supports HDMI with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @75Hz
Storage Intel®H77 Express Chipset:
- 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (gray)
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (blue)
- Support RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 Mode
LAN Realtek®RTL8111F Gigabit LAN controller
Audio VIA® 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking
USB 4 x USB 3.0 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 2 ports at back panel)
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (2 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back panel)
Back Panel I/O
Ports
1 x PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse port
1 x HDMI Output port
1 x DVI-D Output port
1 x D-SUB Output port
1 x LAN (RJ45) port
2 x USB 3.0 ports
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out
3 x Audio jack(s)

x
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
P8H77-I specications summary
Internal I/O Connector 1 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 2 USB 2.0 ports
1 x USB 3.0 connectors support additional 2 USB 3.0 ports
2 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x 4pin CPU Fan connector
1 x 4pin Chassis Fan connector
1 x Front Panel Audio connector
1 x System Panel connector
1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Clear CMOS jumper(s)
1 x Speaker header
BIOS 64 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
2.5, ACPI 2.0a
Manageability WOL by PME, PXE
Accessories 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O Shield
1 x User’s manual
1 x Support DVD
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form Factor Mini-ITX Form Factor, 6.7”x 6.7” (17.0cm x 17.0cm)

ASUS P8H77-I 1-1
Chapter 1
Product introduction
Motherboard ASUS P8H77-I motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s cables
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®LGA1155 Intel®Third / Second Generation Core™ i7 / i5
/ i3 / Pentium®/ Celeron®Processors
This motherboard supports the Intel® 3rd / 2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5
/ i3 / Pentium®/ Celeron®Processors in LGA1155 package with iGPU,
memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to support 2-channel (2
DIMMs) DDR3 memory, and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides
great graphics performance. Intel® 3rd / 2nd Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium®
/ Celeron® processors are among the most powerful and energy efcient
CPUs in the world.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P8H77-I 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®H77 Express Chipset
The Intel®H77 Express Chipset is a single-chipset designed to support
the 1155 socket Intel® 3rd / 2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium®
/ Celeron® processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing
serial point-to-point links, allowing increased bandwidth and stability.
Additionally, H77 chipset provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for 10 times faster
data retrieval speed. Moreover, Intel®H77 Express Chipset can also
enable iGPU function, letting users enjoy the latest Intel®integrated
graphic performance.
Dual-Channel DDR3 2200(O.C.)* /2133(O.C.)* /2000(O.C.)*
/1866(O.C.)* /1800(O.C.)* /1600 / 1333 / 1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer
rates of 2200(O.C.)* /2133(O.C.)* /2000(O.C.)* /1866(O.C.)* /1800(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.
Native SATA 6.0 Gb/s support
The Intel®H77 Express Chipset natively supports next-generation Serial
ATA (SATA) storage interface. This motherboard delivers up to 6.0 Gb/s
data transfer rates. Additionally, get enhanced scalability, faster data
retrieval, double the bandwidth of current bus systems.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and
rear panel – 4 USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug &
play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. This
motherboard affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.
PCIe 3.0 Ready
PCI Express® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with
improved encoding schemes that provide twice the performance of the
current PCIe 2.0. The total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum
of 32Gb/s, double the 16 Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such, PCIe
3.0 provides userss an unprecendented data speeds, combined with the
convenience and seamless transition offerred by complete backward
compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become
a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and optimize graphic
performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.
* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel®3rd generation CoreTM processors.

ASUS P8H77-I 1-3
HDMI Support
Enjoy Full HD 1080p Multimedia Home-Theater Entertainment
High Denition Multimedia Surface (HDMI) is a set of digital video
standards that delivers mulit-channel audio and uncompressed digital
video for full HD 1080p visuals through a single cable. Supporting HDCP
copy protection such as HD DVD and blu-ray discs, HDMI provides you
with the highest quality home theater experience.
Intel®Smart Response Technology
SSD Speed with HDD Capacity
Intel®Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance.
It uses an installed fast SSD (min 18.6GB available capacity required) as
a cache for frequently accessed data. Key benets include reduced load
and wait times, and lower power consumption through the elimination
of unnecessary hard drive spin. This technology combines SSD
performance with hard drive capacity, operating up to 4X faster than a
hard drive-only system, and an important part of Green ASUS eco-
friendly computing.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS UEFI BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unied Extensible Firmware Interface
that offers a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-
only BIOS controls to enable more exible and convenient mouse input.
Users can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness
as their operating system. It natively supports hard drives larger than
2.2TB in 64-bit, with full storage space utilization, helping deliver far more
exciting computing than traditional BIOS versions.
The exclusive EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed setup info, while
the Advanced Mode is for experienced performance enthusiasts that
demand far more intricate system 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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
USB 3.0 Boost
Faster USB 3.0 Transmission with UASP
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached
SCSI Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost
technology, a USB device’s transmission speed is signicantly increased
up to 170%, adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed.
ASUS software automatically accelerates data speeds for compatible
USB 3.0 peripherals without the need for any user interaction.
GPU Boost
Go to the Limit with iGPU Level Up!
GPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics
performance. The user-friendly interface facilitates exible frequency
adjustments. It easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every use.
ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS Q-Fn 2 technology intelligently and automatically adjusts CPU fan
speed according to system load and temperature, enabling users to work
in distraction-free environment with minimal noise.
ASUS Fan Xpert
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust 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.
AI Suite II
One-stop Access to Innovative ASUS Features
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all the
exclusive ASUS features into one simple to use software package. It
allows you to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speed
control, and voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers
diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth
between different utilities.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection
This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard
from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply
(PSU).

ASUS P8H77-I 1-5
LucidLogix®Virtu MVP™
LucidLogix® Virtu MVP featuring HyperFormance™ Technology boosts
your discrete graphics card up to 60% beyond its original performance.
Designed for Intel®processor graphics and Windows®7 PCs, it perfectly
combines the performance of discrete graphics cards with fast computing
iGPU. Also with the newly designed Virtual Sync, users can enjoy a
smoother gaming experience by eliminating tearing artifacts. LucidLogix®
Virtu MVP could also dynamically assign tasks to the best available
graphics resource, based on power, performance and system load. This
allows users to fully utilize 3x faster video conversion with Intel®Quick
Sync Video 2.0 technology while retaining high-end 3D rendering and
gaming performance, provided by both NVIDIA®and AMD graphic cards.
When the discrete graphics card is not required, power consumption
goes automatically down to near zero, making the system more
environmentally-friendly. For users searching for perfection, LucidLogix
Virtu MVP provides great graphical performance and the best exibility
and efciency.
*LucidLogix®Virtu Universal MVP™ supports Windows®7 operating system.
**Intel®Quick Sync Video feature is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel®
Core™processor family.
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.
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.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
Standby Power LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
P8H77-I
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
P8H77-I Onboard LED

ASUS P8H77-I 1-7
P8H77-I
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 four 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

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.5.4 Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page
1. CPU, chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_FAN)
1-27 8. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-14
2. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78) 1-31 9 Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-28
3. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 1-30 10. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) 1-28
4. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR,
4-pin EATX12V)
1-27 11. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-28
5. Intel®LGA1155 CPU socket 1-9 12. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-6
6. Intel® H77 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
1-30 13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-26
7. Intel® H77 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin
SATA3G_1~4 [blue])
1-29 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-26
P8H77-I
PCIEX16
Super
I/O
F_PANEL
AAFP
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
USB78
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
USB3_12
USB34
RTL
8111F
ASM
1442
VIA
VT1708S
64Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
17cm(6.7in)
17cm(6.7in)
Intel®
H77
SATA6G_1
SATA6G_2
SATA3G_1
SATA3G_2
SATA3G_3
SATA3G_4
SPDIF_OUT
SPEAKER
DDR3 DIMMA1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMMB1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
CLRTC
LGA1155
AUDIO
HDMI
SPDIFO
LAN_USB12
KBMS_USB56
DVI_VGA
USB3_34
6
21 3 4
4
10
9
1314
1
5
1112
8
7

ASUS P8H77-I 1-9
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel®3rd /
2nd Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium®/ Celeron®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
LGA1155 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.
P8H77-I
P8H77-I CPU socket LGA1155
A
B
Load lever
Retention tab

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the
arrow until the load plate is completely
lifted.
Load plate
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
4. 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.
5. Close the load plate (A), and then push
down the load lever (C), ensuring that
the front edge of the load plate slides
under the retention knob (B).
A
B
C