Northern Micro Spirit P8Q77-AS User manual

Spirit P8Q77-AS (SFF) User
Guide
Rev 1.0. September 2013

Please Read This First
Thank you for buying a Northern Micro Spirit P8Q77-AS computer. Northern Micro is committed to providing our customers with the
best value on the market today. This means building the systems that meet your specific needs and supporting you with any issues
that you may encounter.
All Northern Micro Spirit computers are assembled and tested in our manufacturing facility in Ottawa. A full Service & Support
network across Canada stands behind every Spirit system we build.
The computer you have purchased is optimized for today’s Operating Systems and applications; however, in the future, you may
come upon situations that demand greater processing power or speed. Thanks to the latest advances in computer hardware
technology, your Spirit P8Q77-AS is completely upgradable. Contact your Northern Micro Sales or Service representative for advice
on how to upgrade your computer should the need arise.
The Spirit P8Q77-AS is Energy Star and Epeat Gold certified. These environmental standards ensure that the computer can take
advantage of energy saving features. Your Spirit P8Q87-AS is designed to run in sleep mode when user inactivity reaches 30
minutes. Your monitor is designed to run in display sleep mode when user inactivity reaches 15 minutes. You can "wake up" the
computer or display by moving the mouse or by hitting any key on the keyboard. If connected to a network, Wake-on-LAN features
can be enable to allow network administrators to wake up the computer remotely or on a given schedule. The Spirit P8Q77-AS is
certified to meet power management criteria of the Microsoft logo program and is equipped with an 80 Plus Gold power supply.
This manual has been prepared for both advanced and novice users. You will find general PC information as well as detailed
specifications about the system you have purchased.
Northern Micro Sales and Service & Support Departments can be reached at: 1-800-563-1007. ▪
Northern Micro is one of Canada's leading hardware integrators and custom manufacturers of mid-range and high-end PCs and
workstations.
Our mission is to provide customized high quality computer hardware products and services to meet the advanced technical needs of
highly knowledgeable customers who seek to maximize their productivity.
To be fully responsive to our customers’ wants and needs, we also:
carry brand name computer products;▪
supply network peripheral equipment and multi-media products;▪
supply server / storage and printing solutions.▪
Through all facets of the operation, we are driven by our quality philosophy.
Northern Micro’s quality policy, communicated within and beyond the corporation, reads as follows:
"Northern Micro is committed to delivering the ultimate customer satisfaction by providing reliable, innovative and flexible computing
solutions and by continuously improving our product and service offerings".
In essence, Northern Micro, its management and its employees strive to be their customers’ personal computer hardware specialists.
Northern Micro’s focus is on quality and customer satisfaction , and to provide products and services in complementary areas of
specialization. We strongly believe in treating customers as members of our own family.
Additionally read our Privacy Statement .
Energy Star®
The Northern Micro Spirit P8Q87-AS is certified to meet Energy Star requirements. ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program that helps
businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Governments around the world,
including Canada's, have embraced the Energy Star program. Through its partnerships with 18,000 private and public sector
organizations, ENERGY STAR delivers the technical information and tools that organizations and consumers need to choose energy-
efficient solutions and best management practices.
An ENERGY STAR qualified computer delivers substantial savings over a conventional computer. Power management is important to
saving energy, especially since computers are often in use more hours per day than they used to be. ENERGY STAR power management
features place computers (CPU, hard drive, etc.) into a low-power "sleep mode" after a designated period of inactivity. Simply hitting a
key on the keyboard or moving the mouse awakens the computer in a matter of seconds. Additionally, ENERGY STAR qualified
computers with networking capabilities have the ability to enable and disable Wake On LAN for Sleep mode, allowing greater use of low
power modes without a loss of IT system maintenance capabilities.

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[Image... Important▪
[Image... Caution▪
[Image... Danger▪
[Ima... Note▪

Contact Us
Northern Micro Locations
Northern Micro is a Canada-wide operation with offices in Halifax, Québec City and
Ottawa.
Our headquarters and manufacturing plant are located in Ottawa.
National Service Center :
1-800-563-1007 extension 241
NM Ottawa
3155 Swansea Cr.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1G 3J3
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 1 [phone]
[email protected]
NM Halifax
102 Chain Lake Drive
Suite 220
Halifax, NS
B3S 1A7
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
NM Québec
3107 ave des Hotels, Suite 24
Sainte-Foy, Québec
G1W 4W5
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 1 [phone]
[email protected]
On-Line Support
Northern Micro has been continuously investing time and resources to improve and
provide you with a wide range of on-line support:
The Secure Web portal where you can apply for a Personal Identification
Number (PIN); customize and order computer systems on-line; check the status
of your orders; verify warranty expiry dates for systems; review service history
and manage your computer assets.
▪
The Service and Support Site where you can download the latest device drivers
and BIOS upgrade; visit our PC Archives for specifications, manuals and; place
service calls, etc.
▪

Unpacking your Computer
The Spirit P8Q77-AS is packed with molded foam or with honeycomb cardboard to keep it in place during transit. To unpack it, cut
the tape holding the flaps, fold back the flaps, and carefully slide the PC and the packing material up out of the box.
Here’s what you will find in the box:
Mouse ▪
Keyboard▪
Power cord▪
Spirit System▪
Save all cartons and packing material for future shipping and transportation.▪
To repack the PC, reverse the above instructions.▪

Initial Computer Setup
Setting up your Computer
After unpacking your computer and checking all the items in the box, you are ready to set up and start your computer.
Place the computer on a flat space. Tower units can be put on their sides, as long as the vents are not blocked. ▪
Locate your monitor and computer in a dust and moisture-free area where there will be minimal glare on the screen.▪
Connect the monitor cable to the video connector at the back of the computer.▪
Connect the mouse and keyboard cables to the matching connectors at the back of the computer.▪
Plug the monitor power cord into a dedicated electrical outlet or a surge-protected power bar.▪
Plug the system power cord into the back of the system in the matching connector; then plug the cord into the power bar.▪
Starting up the Computer for the first time
Turn on the devices in the following order:
Monitor 1.
External devices (USB or other)2.
System power 3.

Front Panel
USB Ports
There are two (2) additional USB Ports on the Front panel of the computer.
Audio Ports
For convenience there is 1 (one) Microphone port and 1 (one) stereo line out port on the front panel.
System Power Switch
The system power switch is located on the front of the case. You should always be certain that the power is turned off before
modifying the hardware configuration in any way. Pushing the power switch for less than 4 seconds places the system into sleep
mode (if enabled in Setup). When the power button is pressed for more than 4 seconds, the system enters the Soft-Off mode.
Indicator Lights
These lights indicate the operation status of your computer.
Reset Button
The reset button allows you to restart the system without turning the power off. If you encounter any problems while using
unfamiliar software you can always restart quickly from the RAM (Random Access Memory .) You will have to use a pen, pencil or
other small object to press the Reset button. This feature was added to prevent accidental reset of the unit.
Any data not saved to disk will be lost▪

Back Panel
The back panel has all the connections that lead from the system unit to external peripherals and the power source.
Turn off all power switches before connecting or disconnecting cables/wires!▪
Ensure that cables/wires are attached to the peripheral device first and connect to
the outlet unit later.
▪
Turn the system unit power switch off before you plug the power cable into an
electrical outlet.
▪
See details on Rear Panel Connectors . ▪

Removing the Case Cover
Removing the case cover from your Spirit computer requires no tools.
Press down on the lever. 1.
Slide the cover back 2.
To remove the front case pull up the three tabs
(see picture) and move them toward yourself
3.
For a better visibility, remove the drive cage by
pulling it up and toward yourself as shown in
the picture below. Two blue thumb screws must
first be removed at the front of the case.
4.

Chassis Intrusion
The board suppo rts a chassis security feature that detects if the chassis cover is removed. The security feature uses a mechanical
switch on the chassis that attaches to the chassis intrusion header. When the chassis cover is removed, the mechanical switch is in
the closed position.
The removal of the case cover while the system is powered on will register a Chassis Intrusion Alert detected by
the Chassis Intrusion lead on the motherboard.
▪

Power Supply Specifications
SFF
Watts 300
Form Factor TFX
UL, CSA, QPS X
FCC, 1CES-003 X
+5, +12, +3.3 X
80 Plus Gold Certified X X X

Power Supply Removal
Remove the power supply screws.1.
Lift-out the power Supply. 2.

Final Power Connection Procedure
Connect the 2 x 4 power supply cable to the matching 2 x 4 power connector on the board. ▪
Connect the 2 x 12 power supply cable to the matching 2 x 12 power connector on the board. Your power supply may have a 2
x 10 power cable, if so connect as shown.
▪
Failure to use an appropriate power supply and / or not connecting the 12V (2x2) power connector to the
desktop board may result in damage to the board, or the system may not function properly.
▪
After all connections are made, close the system case cover.1.
Make sure that all switches are in the off position.2.
Connect the power supply cord into the power supply located on the back of your system case.3.
Connect the power cord onto a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector .4.
You may then turn on your devices in the following order:5.
Monitor ▪
External Devices▪
System Power▪
The power LED on the front panel of the system case will light, as will the monitor LED. The system will then run power-on
tests. While the tests are running, additional messages will appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds
from the time you turn on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Recheck your settings and connections or
call Northern Micro for assistance.
6.
During power-on, hold down the del key to enter BIOS setup. 7.

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.▪
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to metal object, such as the power supply
case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity
▪
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.▪
Whenever you un-install any component, place it on a grounded anti-static pad or in the bag that came with the
component.
▪
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the 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,
and/or components.
▪
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off
mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any
motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

Product Highlights
LGA1155 socket for Intel 3rd / 2nd Generation Core i7® / Core i5® / Core i3® / Pentium®
Processors
This motherboard supports the Intel 3rd/2nd generation Core® i7/i5/i3 Pentium® processors in the LG1155
package, with iGPU, memory , and PCI Express controllers integrated to support onboard graphics out with
dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (4 DIMMs) DDR3 memory , and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides
great graphics performance. Intel 3rd/2nd generation Core® i7/i5/i3 Pentium® processors are among the
most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.
Intel Q77 Express Chipset
The Intel® Q77 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, Q77 chipset
provides 4 USB 3.0 ports for10 times faster data retrieval speed.
Dual-Channel DDR3 1600 / 1333 / 1066MHz support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 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® Q77 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 USB3.0 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.
Intel Smart Response Technology SSD Speed with HDD Capacity
Intel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance by using an installed fast SSD (min
18.6GB available capacity required) as a cache for frequently accessed data. Key benefits 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 6X faster than a hard
drive-only system.
Intel®Smart Response Technology is supported by 3rd/2nd generation Intel® Core processor family on
Windows 7 operating systems.
▪
Operating Systems must be installed on the HDD to launch Intel® Smart Response Technology. ▪
The capacity of the SSD is reserved for caching function.
Intel® Smart Connect Technology
Your computer could receive web updates with fresh content for selected applications, even when setting the
system to sleep. This means less time waiting for applications to start, update and sync with the cloud,
providing a more efficient way.
Intel Rapid Start Technology
Allows your computer to quickly resume from a low-power hibernate state in seconds. Saving system
memory to the designed SSD, provides your computer a faster wake-up response time, while keeping the
energy use low.
PCI Express 3.0
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 users an
unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenience and seamless transition offered 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 Core™ processors
Innovative ASUS features
ASUS UEFI BIOS
Flexible and Easy BIOS Interface
ASUS UEFI BIOS offer the first mouse -controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes, providing a
user-friendly interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only controls. It also natively supports
fully-utilized hard drives larger than 2.2TB in 64-bit operating systems.
ASUS exclusive interface
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info. Users can choose system performance settings, and drag and
drop boot priorities. advanced Mode for performance enthusiasts includes detailed DRAM settings via a
dedicated memory info page for complete insight.
New Upgrade! Quick and Easy information for enhanced system control
F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI information and troubleshooting▪
New F3 Shortcut for most accessed information▪
ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information for accessing memory information, detecting
faulty DIMMs, and helping with difficult POST situations.
▪
USB 3.0 Boost
With USB 3.0 Boost technology, a USB device’s transmission speed is significantly increased, 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 flexible frequency adjustments. It easily delivers stable system-level upgrades for every use.
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibilit y. This remarkable
memory rescue tool requires a mere push of
the button to patch memory issues.
MemOK! determines fail safe settings and dramatically improves your system boot
success.
Get your system up and running in no time.

Al Suite II
With its fast 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 powe r surge s
from switching power supply (PSU).
ASUS Q-Fan 2
The ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU and chassis fan speeds according to system
loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.
ASUS EPU
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through the AI Suite II utility. Get total system-
wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power
consumption. This also reduces fan noise and extends component longevity.
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 file using the
bundled support DVD or USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.
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
shutdown 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 efficiency requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS
vision of creating environment-friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation
to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

Motherboard Layout
Item
#Connectors / Jumpers/ Slots / LED Item #Connectors / Jumpers/ Slots / LED
1CPU and Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_Fan, 3-pin
CHA_FAN 1/2) 11 System panel connector (10-1 pin F_Panel)
2ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 12 Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)
3Intel LGA1155 CPU socket 13 USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB 5-10)
4DDR3 DIMM slots 14 Chassis Intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
5DRAM LED (DRAM_LED) 15 Intel ME jumper (3-pin DIS_ME)
6MemOK! switch 16 LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT)
7USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 17 Digital Audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
8Intel Q77 Serial ATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G-1/2
[gray]) 18 Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
9Clear RTC RAM (3-PIN CLRTC) 19 Front Panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
10
Intel Q77 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1-4
[blue]) 20 Standby power LED (SB_PWR)

Motherboard Installation and Removal
Before removing the Motherboard, ensure the power is off by checking the indicator light. (See section Before you proceed )
When lit, the onboard LED indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode or in soft-off mode, not powered OFF.
Placement Direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure 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.
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.
▪
Before you start, always make sure the computer is turned off. Observe standard static-electricity discharge
precautions. You can damage your expansion card, the motherboard, or both, by not being careful about this.
▪
Unplug the system’s power cable from the back of the unit.1.
Remove the case cover.(Please see instruction on cover removal Removing the Case Cover )2.
Disconnect all cables and wires connected to the motherboard and expansion cards3.
Remove all expansion cards and remove all screws holding the motherboard in place.4.
Lift the motherboard out by pulling it up and away from the back of the case.5.
Take note of where and how cables are connected for re-installation.▪

Specifications Summary
P8Q77-M specifications summary

Expansion Slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that
they support.
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical
injury and damage motherboard components.
▪
Installing an Expansion Card
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for
the card.
1.
Remove he system unit cover (if your motherboard is already in a chassis). 2.
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. 3.
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. 4.
Secure the card to the chassis. 5.
Replace the system cover. 6.
Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See BIOS setup for more details. 1.
Assign an IRQ to the card. 2.
Install the software drivers for the expansion card. 3.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that the cards do
not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system
unstable and the card inoperable.
▪
PCI Slot
The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications.
PCI Express x4 slot
This motherboard supports PCI Express x4 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express
specifications
PCI Express x16 slot
This motherboard has a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 3.0/2.0 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express
specifications.
IRQ Assignments for this motherboard