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Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-3 Before you proceed ..............1-5 Motherboard overview ..............1-6 1.5.1 Placement direction ............1-6 1.5.2 Screw holes ..............1-6 1.5.3...
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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 BIOS setup program ..............2-7 Main menu .................. 2-11 2.3.1 System Language [English] ...........2-11...
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Setup Mode [EZ Mode] ..........2-27 2.7.6 Boot Option Priorities ............ 2-27 2.7.7 Boot Override ..............2-27 Tools menu ................. 2-28 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ..........2-28 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information ..........2-28 2.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile ............2-28 Exit menu ..................2-29...
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) ® * 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 (Qualified Vendors List).
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1 x COM port 1 x LPT port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS only) 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports; 2 x USB 3.0 ports (P8H61/USB3 only) 3 x Audio jacks Internal connectors/ 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1...
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P8H61 Series specifications summary Support DVD Drivers ASUS utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version) Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 8 in (30.5 cm x 20.3 cm) * Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentation User Manual • P8H61 Series motherboards include P8H61, P8H61 PLUS, and P8H61/USB3 three models. The package contents vary from models. • If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. Special features 1.3.1...
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ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems. 100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors (P8H61 PLUS and P8H61/USB3 only) This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.
ASUS TurboV Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away.
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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.
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.
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis P8H61 Series ASUS P8H61 Series...
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.
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CPU notches. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending Gold the connectors on the socket and triangle damaging the CPU! mark Alignment keys 1-10 ASUS P8H61 Series...
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Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer. Some heatsinks come with pre- applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only. 1-12 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN P8H61 Series P8H61 Series P8H61 Series CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:...
DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets: Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 Channel B DIMM_B1 P8H61 Series P8H61 Series 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1-14 ASUS P8H61 Series...
• 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. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
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• OCZ3G1333LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) DS - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • OCZ3F13334GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - 9-9-9-20 1.7V • • OCZ3G13334GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - 9-9-9-20 1.7V • • (continued on the next page) 1-16 ASUS P8H61 Series...
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DDR3-1333 MHz capability DIMM socket Chip support (Optional) Vendors Part No. Size Chip NO. Timing Voltage Brand 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs OCZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • OCZ3P1333LV4GK 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - 7-7-7-20 1.65V • •...
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• 1 DIMM: Supports one module inserted into either slot as single-channel memory configuration. • 2 DIMMs: Supports one pair of modules inserted into both the blue slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1-18 ASUS P8H61 Series...
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Press the retaining clips outward to DIMM notch unlock a DIMM socket.
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 2.0 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1-20 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.
Mic In Mic In Bass/Center Bass/Center Lime (Front panel) – – – Side Speaker Out To configure an 8-channel audio output: Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support 8-channel audio output. 1-22 ASUS P8H61 Series...
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 (P8H61 and P8H61 PLUS only). These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices.
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The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) The 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker.
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CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. CPU_FAN P8H61 Series CHA_FAN Rotation +12V P8H61 Series fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
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USB78 USB910 P8H61 Series PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1 P8H61 Series USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB module cable is purchased separately. 1-26 ASUS P8H61 Series...
System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL PLED PWRBTN P8H61 Series PIN 1 +HDLED RESET P8H61 Series System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which contains the unique features of ASUS motherboard. Click Drivers, Utilities, Manual, and Contact tabs to display their respective menus.
BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. ®...
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.
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Backing up the current BIOS To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has at least 4MB free space to save the file. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press <Enter>. D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom Filename Extension The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric...
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS P8H61 Series...
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.
Power Saving mode Loads optimized default Selects the boot device priority Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode Displays the system properties of the selected mode on the right hand side Selects the boot device priority • The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode. Back button Menu items...
You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable. A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and press <Enter> to display a list of options. 2-10 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Main...
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed. 2-12 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard.
CPU Ratio [Auto] Allows you to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. Use <+> and <-> keys or the numeric keypad to adjust the value. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model. 2-14 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST). ® [Disabled] Disables this function. [Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and decreased average heat production.
This item allows you to set this function for better system performance. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification. 2.4.13 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] [Auto] Automatic configuration. [Disabled] Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability. [Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control. 2-16 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Ai Tweaker Main...
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Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to the operating system. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU C6 Report [Auto] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to the operating system. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-18 ASUS P8H61 Series...
2.5.2 System Agent Configuration Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI] Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI] 2.5.3 PCH Configuration High Precision Timer [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.5.4 SATA Configuration...
Disables the controller. Realtek PXE OPROM [Disabled] This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Realtek LAN controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-20 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled] (P8H61/USB3 only) [Enabled] Enables the onboard USB 3.0 controller. [Disabled] Disables the controller. Asmedia USB 3.0 Battery Charging Support [Disabled] (P8H61/USB3 only) This item appears only when the ASMedia USB 3.0 Controller item is set to [Enabled]. [Enabled] Enables ASMedia USB 3.0 fast battery charging support for USB 3.0 devices complying with the BC 1.1 regulation.
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Enables Ring to generate a wake event. Power On By RTC [Disabled] [Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event. When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/ [Enabled] Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values. 2-22 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. EFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Exit Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Monitor Boot Tool CPU Temperature +45ºC / +113ºF MB Temperature +34ºC / +93ºF CPU Fan Speed 3325 RPM Chassis Fan Speed...
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM] 2-24 ASUS P8H61 Series...
Chassis Fan Profile [Standard] This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan. [Standard] Sets to [Standard] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature.
[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature. Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Post Report [5 sec] This item appears only when the Full Screen Logo item is set to [Disabled] and allows you to set the waiting time for the system to display the post report.
> ASUS O.C. Profile 2.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.8.2 ASUS SPD Information...
Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes & Reset Discard Changes & Exit ASUS EZ Mode Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device Load Optimized Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus.
+1-510-739-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone (Component) +49-1805-010923*...