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P9X79-E
WS
E8097
March 2013 ii
Copyright © 2013 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, modified or altered, unless product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
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
Contents
Chapter 1:
Product Introduction
1.3.1 Product highlights........................................................................1-4
1.3.2 ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features .......................................1-5
ASUS features ............................................................................1-6
Other special features .................................................................1-9
Chapter 2:
Hardware Information
2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................2-4
2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................2-5
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................2-6
System memory ..........................................................................2-7
Expansion slots ...........................................................................2-9
Onboard switches ..................................................................... 2-11
Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................2-15
Jumper ......................................................................................2-24
2.2.9 Internal connectors....................................................................2-26
Building your computer system .............................................................2-37
2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system ............2-37
CPU installation.........................................................................2-38
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation .............................2-40
DIMM installation.......................................................................2-41
Motherboard installation ............................................................2-42
ATX Power connection ..............................................................2-44
SATA device connection ............................................................2-45
Front I/O Connector ..................................................................2-46
Rear panel connection ..............................................................2-47
2.3.10 Audio I/O connections ...............................................................2-48
2.3.11 USB BIOS Flashback ................................................................2-51
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Contents
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
3.2.2 Advanced Mode ..........................................................................3-5
3.5.1 CPU Configuration ....................................................................3-25
3.5.2 System Agent Configuration......................................................3-27
PCH Configuration ....................................................................3-28
SATA Configuration ...................................................................3-28
USB Configuration ....................................................................3-30
Onboard Devices Configuraton .................................................3-32
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility ............................................................3-42
3.8.2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information .................................................3-42
3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile .....................................................................3-43
3.10.1 ASUS Update utility...................................................................3-45
3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility .............................................................3-48
3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.................................................3-49
3.10.4 ASUS BIOS Updater .................................................................3-50
Chapter 4:
Software support
Installing an operating system .................................................................4-3
Running the support DVD ...........................................................4-3
Obtaining the software manuals..................................................4-4
ASUS AI Suite II ..........................................................................4-5
ASUS SSD Caching II .................................................................4-6
Ai Charger+ .................................................................................4-8
Contents
ASUS Update ..............................................................................4-9
DIGI+ Power Control .................................................................4-10
EPU ...........................................................................................4-12
FAN Xpert+ ...............................................................................4-13
MyLogo2 ...................................................................................4-14
Probe II......................................................................................4-16
4.3.10 TurboV EVO ..............................................................................4-17
4.3.11 USB 3.0 Boost...........................................................................4-21
4.3.12 Audio configurations..................................................................4-22
4.3.13 ASUS Dr. Power Utility ..............................................................4-23
4.4.1 RAID definitions ........................................................................4-25
4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................4-26
Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................4-26
Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility ................4-26
Marvell RAID utility ....................................................................4-30
Chapter 5:
Multiple GPU technology support
ATI ® CrossFireX™ technology ..................................................................5-3
5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................5-3
5.1.2 Before you begin .........................................................................5-3
5.2.1 Requirements ..............................................................................5-9
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ....................................5-10
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards .................................. 5-11
Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards ....................................5-12
NVIDIA ® CUDA™ technology ..................................................................5-15
Requirements ............................................................................5-15
Installing CUDA-ready graphics cards ......................................5-15
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Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
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This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
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. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm for detailed recycling information in different regions.
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.
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Safety information
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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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.
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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.
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring 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.
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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 configure multiple ATI ®
NVIDIA ® SLI™ graphics cards.
CrossFireX™ and
Where to find 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 flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
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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.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Typography
Bold text
Italics
<Key>
<Key1+Key2+Key3>
Command
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
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.
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+Del>
Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
BUPDATER /iP9X79WS.ROM
P9X79-E WS specifications summary
CPU
Chipset
Memory
Expansion Slots
Multi-GPU support
GPU support
Storage
LAN
USB
2nd Generation Intel ® Core™ i7 Processor for the LGA
2011 Socket
Intel ® Xeon ® E5-1600 processor for the LGA 2011 Socket
Intel ® Xeon ® E5-2600 processor for the LGA 2011 Socket
Supports Intel ® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
*Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
Intel ® X79 Express Chipset
8 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR3 2400 (O.C.)/ 2133
(O.C.)/1866 (O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz, ECC, Non-
ECC, un-buffered Memory
Quad channel memory architecture
Supports Intel ® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL (Qualified
Vendors Lists).
4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (dual@x16/x16; Quad@x16/x16/ x16/x16, blue)
3 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slot (@x8 mode, black)
* 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.
Supports NVIDIA ® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD ® 4-Way CrossFireX™ Technology
Up to 3 NVIDIA ® Tesla cards and Intel ® Xeon ® phi cards
Intel ® X79 Express Chipset:
- 2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0 and 1 support
- 4 x SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10
support
Marvell ® 9230 SATA controllers:
- 4 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10
support
2 x Intel ® i210 Gigabit LAN controller
ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel
support, blue
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel
Intel ® X79 Express Chipset
- 13 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (3 ports at mid-board,
black+white, 10 ports at back panel)
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P9X79-E WS specifications summary
1394
Audio
ASUS Unique Features
ASUS Q-Design
Workstation Unique
Features
VIA VT6315N controller support 1x1394a port
Realtek ®
CODEC
ALC 1150 8-channel High Definition Audio
- Supports 192kHz/ 24bit BD Lossless Sound
- DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC II
- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
- Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
Industry leading Digital 8+2 Phase Power Design
Industry leading Digital 2+2 Phase Power Design
ASUS TPU
ASUS EPU
ASUS Exclusive Features
- ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly
graphics user interface
- ASUS SSD Caching II
- USB 3.0 Boost
- Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
- MemOK!
- AI Suite II
- AI Charger+
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert+
ASUS EZ DIY
- USB BIOS Flashback
- ASUS O.C. Profile
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
- ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS Q-Code
ASUS Shield
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-DIMM
ASUS Dr. Power
7 x PCIe x16 slots
Quick Gate: 1 vertical USB 2.0 on board
ASUS WS Diag. LED
(continued on the next page)
P9X79-E WS specifications summary
Back Panel I/O Ports
Internal I/O Connectors
BIOS Features
Manageability
OS
Form Factor
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
10 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (white port can be switched to
USB BIOS Flashback)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Switch
1 x PS/2 KB/MS port
2 x eSATA 6Gb/s ports
2 x LAN (RJ45) ports (2 x Intel
1 x optical S/PDIF Out port
8-channel Audio I/O
® LAN)
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector support additional 2 USB ports
(19-pin)
1 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 2 USB ports
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 trpe A vertical ports
6 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Opt Fan connectors (4-pin)
4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x 19-pin TPM header
1 x Serial port header
1 x Clear CMOS jumper
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x 6-pin EATX12_1 Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x EPU switch
1 x TPU switch
1 x Dr.Power switch
1 x PWR button
1 x Reset button
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ
Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
8 32/64 bit and 7 32/64 bit
CEB Form Factor, 12" x 10.5"
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Chapter 1:
Product Introduction
Chapter summary
1
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. This chapter contains the following sections:
ASUS P9X79-E WS
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS P9X79-E WS 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.
Motherboard
I/O modules
Cables
Accessories
Application DVD
Documentation
ASUS P9X79-E WS
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 + 1-port 1394 module
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s power cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x COM port cable
1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
1 x ASUS 2-in-1 Q-Connector Kit (Retail version only)
1 x 2-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x 3-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x 4-Way SLI bridge connector
ASUS motherboard support DVD
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 1-3
1-4
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel
®
Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel
Edition
®
Core™ i7 Processor Extreme
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme in LGA2011 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to quadchannel (8 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 40 PCI Express 2.0 lanes. This provides great graphicsperformance. Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.
Intel
®
X79 Express Chipset
The Intel® X79 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design that supports the new socket 2011 Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme. It improves performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing for increased bandwidth and stability.
Additionally,the X79 comes with 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 3Gb/s ports for faster data retrieval, doubling the bandwidth of current bus systems.
PCIe 3.0 Ready
The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). PCIe 3.0 provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenicnce and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. It is a must-have feature PC users aiming to improve and optimize graphics performance, as well as have the latest, most future-proof technology.
* 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.
Quad-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz
Support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.
C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements ofthe latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The quadchannel DDR3 architecture quadruple the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.
* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3
2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support
The Intel® X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA (SATA) interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and 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 – 4USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The P9X79-E WS affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Power eSATA 6Gb/s Ready
2X faster with fully charged power
Powered eSATA 6Gb/s combines data and power connectivity. Users enjoy 2X faster transfer rates, and can use external SATA 6Gb/s devices with no additional power adapters. ASUS provides two extra ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the bandwidth of current bus systems for extra speed and accessibility.
1.3.2 ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features
Best graphics performance for 4-Way NVIDIA
®
GeForce
®
SLI™ and AMD
CrossFireX™ PCI-E X16 link
Native third generation PCI-Expressx16 4-way SLI™ offers the fastest and most reliable graphics performance ever. It's ideal for professional use in mechanical, architectural, interior design, aeronautics, audio and video design applications. Additionally, this ample graphics power can easily run even the most demanding PC games in full detail for enhanced entertainment.
Built-in Dual Intel Server-Class Gigabit LAN
To enhance network reliability, the P9X79-E WS is built in dual Intel® Gigabit LAN that features lower CPU utilization, less package drop rate, wide driver supported. Base on performance testing, CPU utilization of Intel lan can achieve great improvement to allocate
CPU resource more efficiently. Intel lan also support teaming and fault-tolerance functions, the two LAN ports provide double the bandwidth and network redundancy.
Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support!
P9X79-E WS brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X79 platform to optimize PCIe allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve never experienced before!
Diagnosis LED
Diagnosis LED checks key components (CPU, memory, graphics card and hard drive) in sequence during bootup. If an error is found, the LED next to the relevant device will stay lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitive way to locate root problems in seconds.
Quick Gate
Quick Gate is a vertical USB connector on the motherboard, allowing you to install USB devices directly with no messy cables. This stops important data storage devices from breaking off unexpectedly. P9X79-E WS with this unique design provides a convenient and safe way to install data and applications on your PC.
ASUS Doctor Power
ASUS Doctor Power is an ensemble of LEDs, switches, and application that automatically detects and diagnoses related issues regarding your power supply unit (PSU). It generally allows you to monitor the health of your PSU and provide notification or warning messages to prevent any sudden system shutdown or failure due to insufficient supply of power to your system.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 1-5
1-6
1.3.3 ASUS features
New DIGI+ Power Control
All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
ASUS X79 motherboards include New DIGI+ Power Control with two digital voltage regulator modules (VRMs), including an all-new DRAM controller that allows ultra-precise memory tuning in addition to CPU voltage control. This evolution of innovative, industry-leading ASUS technology provides super-accurate voltages for better efficiency, stability and performance.
Best in class power efficiency and stability
Two critical components work perfectly together to match digital power signal (SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing and response to efficiently deliver the right level of power on demand. Accurate power reduces wasteful imprecision, and provides more stable
CPU Vcore voltages.
Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range
With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can adjust CPU and DRAM PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking scenarios, with accurate input through
UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface. System performance can also be customized with specific CPU and DRAM power controls, including new VCCSA load line calibration for increased voltage range, greater VCCSA current capability, and up to 30% more capacitance. This proprietary design, with its precise yet flexible power adjustments, increases overclocking headroom to push performance to its full potential.
8+2 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the latest Intel® Sandy Bridge-E CPU´s potential, this motherboard has adopted a brand new digital 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan. This motherboard also features an extra 2-phase power dedicated to integrated memory controller.
EPU
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or
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 SSD Caching II
Multiple SSD Caching, Instant Upgraded Speed
ASUS SSD Caching II has been upgraded with a multiple caching function, adding four extra
SATA 6Gb/s onboard. This feature offers performance upgrades by using multiple installed
SSDs with no capacity limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data. It also allows user to choose the combination that suits their needs. For example, you can choose three SSDs matched with one HDD or two SSDs with two HDDs. Harness a combination of SSD-like performance and response and hard drive capacity with a single click, without the need to reboot for instant activation and complete ease of use. As an added bonus, it can even prevent data loss with the included backup function, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
USB 3.0 Boost
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, the performance of a USB device transmission speed is significantly increased up to 130% (TBD), adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, the system provides a user-friendly graphical interface, which spontaneously accelerates the transfer speed through USB 3.0 peripherals with an ASUS exclusive auto-detect setting.
TPU
Unleash your performance with ASUS’ simple onboard switch or AI Suite II utility. The
TPU chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and
TurboVfunctions. Auto tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically optimize the system for fast,yet stable clock speeds, while TurboV enables unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequenciesand ratios for optimized performance in diverse situations.
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK! determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.
AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all exclusive ASUS features into one simple-to-use package with an elegant design theme. It allows users to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speeds, voltage, and sensor readings. This all-inone software offers diverse and easy to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.
USB 3.0 Boost
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, the performance of a USB device transmission speed is significantly increased up to 130% (TBD), adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, the system provides a user-friendly graphical interface, which spontaneously accelerates the transfer speed through USB 3.0 peripherals with an ASUS exclusive auto-detect setting.
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to flash the BIOS ever! It allows overclockers to try new BIOS versions easily, without even entering their existing BIOS or operating system. Just plug in USB storage and push the dedicated button for 3 seconds, and the BIOS is automatically flashed using standby power. Worry-free overclocking for the ultimate convenience!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 1-7
1-8
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The stylish heatsink offers 0dB cooling for a quiet PC environment. Attractive design enhances the look of the board and case, while temperatures in the chipset and power phase areas stay lower through high efficiency heat exchange. Combining usability and aesthetics,the stylish ASUS heatsink gives users an extremely silent and cool experience with elegant design.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.
ASUS Fan Xpert+
Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert+ allows users to independently adjust both CPU and case fan speeds with multiple dedicated controllers based on different ambient temperatures,climate conditions and system loads. Built-in profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool computing environment.
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 profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS UEFI BIOS
ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond 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 info for enhanced system control
- F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI setup info and troubleshooting
- New F3 Shortcut for most accessed info
- ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) Information for accessing memory info,
detecting faulty DIMMs and helping with difficult POST situations.
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot, Q-Code and Q-DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - 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
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
1.3.4 Other special features
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through the most popular PC audio setups
- your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to virtual surround, it upgrades original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration, recreating the dynamic range of audio files. Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across different input sources and Enhance boosts audio quality through high and low frequency equalization. With these technologies, users experience better home theater audio with ease.
DTS Connect
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS
Connect combines two enabling technologies. DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.
Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system.DTS Interactive is capable of performing multi-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to deliver audio to an external decoder.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement 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.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 1-9
1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Chapter 2:
Hardware Information
Chapter summary
2
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. This chapter contains the following sections:
Building your computer system .............................................................2-37
ASUS P9X79-E WS
2.1 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.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-3
2.2 Motherboard overview
2.2.1 Motherboard layout
2-4
Refer to 2.2.9 Internal Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.2 Layout contents
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
5.
6.
7.
8.
2.
3.
4.
Connectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots
1. ATX Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V, 6-pin
EATX12V_1)
DDR3 DIMM slots
LGA2011 CPU Socket
CPU, CPU OPT, Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3/4)
Reset switch
Power-on switch
ASUS Dr._POWER switch
MemOK! switch
EPU Switch
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
Intel ® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
Intel ® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
Marvell ® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2/E3/E4 [gray])
Q-Code LED
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
USB 2.0 connectors (Type A: USB13; 10-1 pin USB1112)
TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)
TPU switch
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
Page
2-35
2-27
2-28
2-16
2-36
2-30
2-34
2-31
2-34
2-24
2-25
2-12
2-33
2-31
2-7
2-6
2-32
2-11
2-11
2-14
2-13
2-12
2-29
2-26
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-5
2-6
2.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for the 2 nd
Intel ® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition.
Generation
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged 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
LGA2011 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.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.4 System memory
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) slots.
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
Recommended memory configurations
DIMM_D1
DIMM_B1
DIMM_D1
DIMM_A1
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
DIMM_D2
DIMM_D1
DIMM_C1
ASUS P9X79-E WS
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_B2
DIMM_D2
DIMM_D1
DIMM_C2
DIMM_C1
DIMM_A1
DIMM_B1
DIMM_D1
DIMM_C1
2-7
2-8
Memory configurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets depending on the installed CPU.
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C and
Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dualchannel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the CPU.
• The max. 64GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB (or above).
ASUS will update QVL once the DIMMs are available on the market.
• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft ® support site at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (8 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
P9X79-E WS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists
Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.5 Expansion slots
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
No.
5
6
7
3
4
1
2
Slot Description
PCIEX16_1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 mode, blue)
PCIEX16_2 PCIe 3.0 x16_6 slot (x8 mode, black)
PCIEX16_3 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode, blue)
PCIEX16_4 PCIe 3.0 x16_6 slot (x8 mode, black)
PCIEX16_5 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 mode, blue)
PCIEX16_6 PCIe 3.0 x16_6 slot (x8 mode, black)
PCIEX16_7 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode, blue)
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-9
2-10
Slot no.
5
7
1
3
Single VGA x 16
(single VGA recommended
PCIe Express 3.0 operating mode
SLI/CrossFireX
3-WAY SLI/
CrossFireX x16 x16
(dual VGA recommended) x16 x16 x16
4-WAY SLI/
CrossFireX x16 x16 x16 x16
• We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFireX™ or SLI™ mode.
• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1-4 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
PCIEx16_1
PCIEx16_2
PCIEx16_3
PCIEx16_4
PCIEx16_5
PCIEx16_6
PCIEx16_7
Marvell9230
VIA1394
Asmedia USB3.0-1
Asmedia USB3.0-2
LAN1 (I210)
LAN2 (I210)
SATA Controller 1
SATA Controller 2
USB 2.0 Controller 1
USB 2.0 Controller 2
HD Audio
Asmedia SATA 6G
A B C D E F G H shared – shared – shared – shared – shared – shared – shared –
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Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.6 Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or opencase system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance.
1. Power-on button
The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that allows you to power up or wake up the system. The switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating 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 power-on switch.
2. Reset button
Press the reset switch to reboot the system.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-11
3. EPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically detect the current PC loadings and intelligently moderate the power consumption.
For ensuring system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off.
4. TPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable clock speeds.
For ensuring system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off.
2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information
5. MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DIAGLED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DIAG_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
• Refer to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DIAG_DRAM.
• The DIAG_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows™ OS environment.
• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the DIAG_DRAM increases, indicating different test processes.
• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DIAG_DRAM lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.
• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.
• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the
ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-13
6. ASUS Dr. POWER switch
This switch allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Dr. Power feature. Install the bundled ASUS Dr. Power Utility then enable this switch to allow the system to display notification messages in your Windows screen if a problem is detected with your power supply unit (PSU).
2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.7 Onboard LEDs
1. Diagnosis LED
These diagnosis LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate key component status during POST (Power-on Self Test), providing an elegant embellishment to the motherboard design. The LED lights will flash sequentially during system bootup. If an error is found, the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem in seconds.
2. EPU LED
The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-15
3. TPU LED
The TPU LED lights up when the TPU switch is turned to Enable.
4. Q-Code LED
The Q-Code LED design provides you the 2-digit display, allowing you to know the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table on the next page for details.
2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table
01
02
Code
00
03
0C – 0D
0E
0F
10
11 – 14
15 – 18
19 – 1C
1D – 2A
2B – 2F
30
08
09
0A
0B
06
07
04
05
Description
Not used
Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
AP initialization before microcode loading
System Agent initialization before microcode loading
PCH initialization before microcode loading
Initialization before microcode loading
Microcode loading
AP initialization after microcode loading
System Agent initialization after microcode loading
PCH initialization after microcode loading
Initialization after microcode loading
Cache initialization
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
Microcode not found
Microcode not loaded
PEI Core is started
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started
Pre-memory PCH initialization is started
Pre-memory initialization codes
Memory initialization
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-17
2-18
Code
31
32 – 36
37 – 3A
3B – 3E
3F – 4E
4F
50 – 53
5C – 5F
E0
E1
E2
E3
E4 – E7
E8
E9
58
59
5A
5B
54
55
56
57
F3
F4
EA
EB
EC – EF
F0
F1
F2
Q-Code table (continued)
Description
Memory Installed
CPU post-memory initialization
Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started
Post-Memory PCH initialization is started
Post memory initialization codes
DXE IPL is started
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed
Unspecified memory initialization error
Memory not installed
Invalid CPU type or Speed
CPU mismatch
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed
Internal CPU error
Reset PPI is not available
Reserved for future AMI error codes
S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)
S3 Boot Script execution
Video repost
OS S3 wake vector call
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
S3 Resume Failed
S3 Resume PPI not Found
S3 Resume Boot Script Error
S3 OS Wake Error
Reserved for future AMI error codes
Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
Recovery process started
Recovery firmware image is found
Recovery firmware image is loaded
Chapter 2: Hardware information
92
93
94
95
96
71
72
73 – 77
78
79
7A – 7F
80 – 8F
90
91
62
63 – 67
68
69
6A
6B – 6F
70
Code
F5-F7
F8
F9
FA
FB-FF
60
61
Q-Code table (continued)
Description
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
Recovery PPI is not available
Recovery capsule is not found
Invalid recovery capsule
Reserved for future AMI error codes
DXE Core is started
NVRAM initialization
Installation of the PCH Runtime Services
CPU DXE initialization is started
PCI host bridge initialization
System Agent DXE initialization is started
System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started
System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)
PCH DXE initialization is started
PCH DXE SMM initialization is started
PCH devices initialization
PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)
ACPI module initialization
CSM initialization
Reserved for future AMI DXE codes
DXE initialization codes
Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started
Driver connecting is started
PCI Bus initialization is started
PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization
PCI Bus Enumeration
PCI Bus Request Resources
PCI Bus Assign Resources
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-19
2-20
A6
A7
A8
A9
A2
A3
A4
A5
9E-9F
A0
A1
9A
9B
9C
9D
Code
97
98
99
AA
AB
Q-Code table (continued)
Description
Console Output devices connect
Console input devices connect
Super IO Initialization
USB initialization is started
USB Reset
USB Detect
USB Enable
Reserved for future AMI codes
IDE initialization is started
IDE Reset
IDE Detect
IDE Enable
SCSI initialization is started
SCSI Reset
SCSI Detect
SCSI Enable
Setup Verifying Password
Start of Setup
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Setup Input Wait
Chapter 2: Hardware information
D3
D4
D5
B5
B6
B7
B8– BF
C0– CF
D0
D1
D2
B1
B2
B3
B4
Code
AC
AD
AE
AF
B0
DA
DB
DC
D6
D7
D8
D9
Q-Code table (continued)
Description
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Ready To Boot event
Legacy Boot event
Exit Boot Services event
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
Legacy Option ROM Initialization
System Reset
USB hot plug
PCI bus hot plug
Clean-up of NVRAM
Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
Reserved for future AMI codes
BDS initialization codes
CPU initialization error
System Agent initialization error
PCH initialization error
Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
No Space for Legacy Option ROM
No Console Output Devices are found
No Console Input Devices are found
Invalid password
Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)
Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)
Flash update is failed
Reset protocol is not available
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-21
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints
Code
0x01
0x02
0x03
0x04
0x05
0x10
0x20
0x30
0x40
0xAC
0xAA
Description
System is entering S1 sleep state
System is entering S2 sleep state
System is entering S3 sleep state
System is entering S4 sleep state
System is entering S5 sleep state
System is waking up from the S1 sleep state
System is waking up from the S2 sleep state
System is waking up from the S3 sleep state
System is waking up from the S4 sleep state
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.
5. PWR_SUPPLY LED
The ASUS Dr. Power LED near EATX PWR connector lights up when the ASUS Dr.
Power switch setting is turned to Enable and the power supply unit failed.
2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information
6. PGLED3 LED
The ASUS Dr. Power LED near the ASUS Dr. Power switch lights up when the ASUS
Dr. Power switch is turned to enable.
7. +12V_PWR LED
The ASUS Dr. Power LED near EATX12V connector lights up when the ASUS Dr.
Power switch setting is turned to enable and there is no power detected going into the processor.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-23
2.2.8 Jumper
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can reset the 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.
To erase the RTC RAM
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter data.
2-24
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.
• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.
Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.
• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2. Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)
These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection. The CHAFAN_SEL jumper is for the front fans and rear fans control. Set to pins 1–2 when using 3-pin fans or pins
2–3 when using 4-pin fans.
• If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 1-2, the fan you installed may not work.
• If you use a 3-pin fan but set the jumper for a 4-pin fan, the fan control will not work and the fan you installed will always run at full speed.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-25
2.2.9 Internal connectors
1. Intel ® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
2-26
• These connectors are set to [IDE Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
• You must install Windows
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows ®
® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
XP SP3 or later versions.
• You must load IRST Driver during OS installation for the system to detect the Optical
Disk Drive (the ODD should be connected to the SATA_3G port), or else the ODD will not run.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2. Intel ® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical disc drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configuration with the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel ® X79 chipset.
• These connectors are set to [IDE Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial
ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
• You must install Windows
Windows ®
® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
XP SP3 or later versions.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-27
3. Marvell ® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2/E3/E4 [gray])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6.0
Gb/s signal cables.
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• For high performance of ASUS SSD Caching II, please connect one HDD and one SSD to Marvell ® SATA6G_E12/E34 connectors.
• For regular usage, the SATA6G_E12/E34 connectors are recommended for data drivers.
• You must install Windows ® hard disk drives.
XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA
• Press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create or delete a
RAID configuration.
• If you want to install a Windows operating system to a RAID configuration created using the Marvell SATA controller, you have to create a RAID driver disk using the motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation. For 32/64bit Windows XP OS, load first the Marvell shared library driver, and then load Marvell 92xx SATA Controller
Driver. For Windows 7 / Windows 8 OS, load only the Marvell 92xx SATA Controller
Driver.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
4. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB 3.0 specificaton that supports up to 5.0 Gbps connection speed. If the USB 3.0 front panel cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0 connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.
You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 box to this connector to obtain the front panel
USB 3.0 solution.
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5. USB 2.0 connectors
(Type A: USB13; 10-1 pin USB1112; USB13)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to
480 Mbps connection speed.
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.
2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information
6. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1)
This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.
7. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
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8. CPU, CPU OPT, Chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3/4)
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.
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Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.
• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3 for better thermal environment.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
• We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability.
• If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]; if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD].
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10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The COM module is purchased separately.
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity. This connector can also serve for G.P. Diagnosis card installation.
2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information
12. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V, 6-pin EATX12V_1)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
• For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit
(PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 350 W.
• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot.
• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. 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.
• If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.
• EATX12V_1 6-pin connector is for graphic cards 12V power supply plug. When using high-end or more graphic cards, more power may be needed. Use this connector to enhance power by 12V.
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13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
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•
•
•
•
•
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. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD.
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3 Building your computer system
2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system
1 bag of screws
PC chassis
Philips (cross) screwdriver
Power supply unit
Intel LGA 2011 CPU
DIMM
Intel LGA 2011 compatible CPU Fan
SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional) Graphics card
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package.
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2.3.2 CPU installation
Please note the order in opening/ closing the double latch. Follow the instructions printed on the metal sealing hatch or the illustrations shown below in this manual. The plastic cap will pop up automatically once the CPU is in place and the hatch properly sealed down.
1
B
Load lever
A 2
3
A
B
C
4
A
B
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5
7
9
A
B
A
B
Triangle mark
8
6
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2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
1
A
B
B
A
2
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2.3.4 DIMM installation
1
2
3
To remove a DIMM
B
A
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2.3.5 Motherboard installation
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1
2
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3
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 2-43
2.3.6 ATX Power connection
1
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2
OR
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.7 SATA device connection
1
OR
2
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2.3.8 Front I/O Connector
To install ASUS Q-Connector
1 2
IDE_LED+
IDE_LED-
IDE_LED
PWR
Ground
Reset
Ground
POWER SW
RESET SW
To install USB Connector To install front panel audio connector
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USB
The actual location may vary with motherboards.
AAFP
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.9 Rear panel connection
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 mouse and keyboard port
2. LAN (RJ-45) port 1*
3. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2
4. LAN (RJ-45) port 2**
5. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
6. USB 2.0 ports 3, 4, 5, and 6
7. USB BIOS Flashback button
8. Optical S/PDIF Out port
9. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8
10. External SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports 1 and 2
11. USB 2.0 ports 9 and 10
12. Audio I/O ports**
*and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions.
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• Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used under
Windows ® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
• USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
• We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0 ports for faster and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
* LAN port LED indications
Activity Link LED
Status Description
OFF
ORANGE
BLINKING
No link
Linked
Data activity
Speed LED
Status Description
OFF 10 Mbps connection
ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
GREEN 1 Gbps connection
LAN port
**Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port Headset
2-channel
Light Blue Line In
Lime
Pink
Orange
Black
Gray
Line Out
Mic In
–
–
–
4-channel 6-channel 8-channel
Line In Line In Line In
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Mic In Mic In Mic In
– Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
– – Side Speaker Out
2.3.10 Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Connect to Stereo Speakers
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers
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Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers
2-50 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.11 USB BIOS Flashback
1. Download the BIOS Flashback program file from the ASUS service website (www.asus.
com). Save the program file to a USB portable disk.
2. On the rear I/O port, plug the USB disk to USB port 1 with the WHITE interior. (See red box in the image below)
3. Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the light will begin to flash (on the third second).
4. The Flashback function is enabled once the light starts to flash.
5. The flashing rate of the light signal accelerates along with the updating speed.
Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the process causing the system unable to reboot, please contact the local service station for help.
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2.4 Starting up for the first time
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Be sure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c. System power
6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up.
For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the
ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the “green” standards or if it has a
“power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the
BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.
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BIOS Beep
One short beep
Description
VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
No memory detected One continuous beep followed by two short beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three short beeps
One continuous beep followed by four short beeps
No VGA detected
Hardware component failure
7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.
2.5 Turning off the computer
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.7 Boot Menu for details.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
Chapter summary
3
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. This chapter contains the following sections:
ASUS P9X79-E WS
3.1 Knowing BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Extensible Firmware Interface that complies with UEFI architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only
BIOS controls to enable more flexible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
•
•
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup.
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update.
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
3.2 BIOS setup program
A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or press the reset button on the system chassis to restart the system. You can also turn the system off and then turn it back on to restart the system. Do this last option only if the first two failed.
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program.
• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.
• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.2.8 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
• The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.
The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse.
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the
EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.
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3.2.1 EZ Mode
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section 3.7 Boot memu for details.
3-4
Selects the boot device priority
Power Saving mode Loads optimized default
Normal mode
Selects the boot device priority
ASUS Optimal mode
• The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
• The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the system.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.2.2 Advanced Mode
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.
Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help
Submenu item Pop-up window Scroll bar Navigation keys
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main For changing the basic system configuration
Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Exit
For changing the advanced system settings
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings.
For changing the system boot configuration
For configuring options for special functions
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
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3-6
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
Back button
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.
Submenu items
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
Pop-up window
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item.
Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen.
Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.
Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can change the value of the field opposite the item. 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.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.3 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.
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.
• If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.2.8 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
• The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default
Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.
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3-8
Administrator Password
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected fields in the BIOS setup program.
To set an administrator password:
1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
To change an administrator password:
1. Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4. Confirm the password when prompted.
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
User Password
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a user password:
1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
To change a user password:
1. Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
2. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4. Confirm the password when prompted.
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.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4 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.
Scroll down to display the following items:
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-9
Scroll down to display the following items:
3-10
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
[Auto] Loads the optimal settings for the system.
[Manual]
[X.M.P.]
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for optimizing the system performance.
The following three items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner item to
[Manual].
BCLK Frequency [XXX]
Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.
CPU Strap [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [100MHz] [125MHz] [166MHz] [250MHz]
ClockGen Full Reset [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enabled for better overclocking.
To skip system shutdown at BCLK frequency adjustment.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Turbo Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to manually adjust the Turbo CPU ratio.
[Auto]
[By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in OS)]
[By Per Core (Cannot Adjust in OS)]
All Turbo ratio are set by Intel CPU default settings
All numbers of active cores will be set to one single Turbo ratio in OS
All numbers of active cores can be set to an individual Turbo ratio in BIOS.
CPU CLOCKGEN FILTER [Auto]
May help maximize CPU Overclocking when Enabled.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] [10UF]
Memory Frequency [Auto]
Forces a DDR3 frequency slower than the common tCK detected via SPD.
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3-1333MHz] [DDR3-
1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2133MHz] [DDR3-2400MHz] [DDR3-2666MHz]
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
EPU Power Saving MODE [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
EPU Setting [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode item to [Enabled.] and allows you to select the EPU power saving mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max
Power Saving Mode]
OC Tuner
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]
DRAM Timing Control
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings.
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3-12
Primary Timings
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 3 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 40 with 1 interval.
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 3 with 1 interval.
Secondary Timings
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 7 with 1 interval.
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 48 to 511 with 1 interval.
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 5 to 31 with 1 interval.
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 16 to 63 with 1 interval.
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM Write Latency [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 15 with 1 interval.
Third Timings tRRDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRRDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWWDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWWDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRWDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
tRWDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
tWRDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWRDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRWSR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
tCCD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
Latency Timings
DRAM RTL (CHA D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-13
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DRAM IOL (CHA D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM IOL (CHC D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-15
3-16
DRAM IOL (CHD D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] – [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1
Clock] – [Delay 14 Clock]
Others
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Enhanced Training (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enhanced Training (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enhanced Training (CHC) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enhanced Training (CHD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
MCH Duty Sense (CHA) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHB) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHC) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHD) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
Receiver Slew [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [More]
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Transmitter Slew [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [More]
MCH Recheck [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
MRC Fast Warm Boot [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
DIGI+ Power Control
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Load-line is defined by Intel spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance, but increase the CPU thermal. This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance:
0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50% (High), 75% (Ultra High), 100% (Extreme).
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specifiation.
CPU Current Capability [Auto]
This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power Control related parameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and pressing the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter> key.
CPU VCORE Boot Up Voltage [Auto]
This adjusts the voltage for CPU at initial boot up. Set to higher values for better overclocking results.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800 to 1.700 with
0.005 interval.
VCCSA Load-line Calibration [Auto]
The behavior of the DRAM controller is decided by VCCSA Load-Line. Set to a higher value for system performance, or to a lower value for better thermal solution.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM specification.
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
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VCCSA Current Capability [100%]
Allows you to set the VCCSA current capability. A higher value brings wider total DRAM controller power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
CPU VCCSA Boot Up Voltage [Auto]
This adjusts the voltage for VCCSA at initial boot up. Set to higher values for better overclocking results.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800 to 1.700 with
0.005 interval.
•
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]
Switching frequency will affect the transient response and component thermal. Setting a higher frequency gets faster transient response.
[Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Spread Spectrum item.
• [Manual] Allows you to manually set the CPU Fixed Frequency from 300k~500kHz with a 10k Hz interval.
CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
This item appears when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Auto]. Enable the
Spread Spectrum to enhance system stability.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU Fixed Frequency [300]
This item appears when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Manual].
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300k~500kHz with a 10k Hz interval.
Do not remove the thermal module when switching to Manual mode. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts current and thermal of every phase component.
[T.Probe]
[Extreme]
Maintains thermal balance.
Maintains current balance.
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]
Controls current capability and voltage frequency through different modes. Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance.
Reduce phase number under light system loading to increase efficiency
[Auto]
[Standard]
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
[Manual Adjustment]
Proceeds preset phase control.
Proceeds phase control based on CPU Command.
Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Proceeds the full phase mode.
Allows manual adjustment. Phase number adjusted by
current(A) step.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Manual Adjustment [Medium]
This item appears when you set the CPU Power Phase Control item to [Manual
Adjustment]. Select Ultra Fast for a faster response. The reaction time will be longer when Regular is selected.
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]
Do not remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual mode. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
DRAM-AB Current Capability [100%]
Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM-AB Voltage Frequency [Auto]
This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
DRAM-AB Power Phase control [Auto]
[Auto]
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
Proceeds preset phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set the Full phase mode.
DRAM-CD Current Capability [100%]
Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM-CD Voltage Frequency [Auto]
This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [manual]
DRAM-CD Power Phase control [Auto]
[Auto]
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
Proceeds preset phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set the Full phase mode.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-19
3-20
CPU Performance Settings
The items in this menu is setting for CPU Ratio/Features.
CPU Ratio [Auto]
This item allows user manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The value will be limited to CPU-based or factory settings. Adjusting the CPU Ratio value will change CPU
Performance Settings.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 12 to 57 with 1 interval.
• [Values 12~32] Presets Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and Turbo Mode to
[Disabled] but can be adjusted. Turbo Mode Parameters settings is limited
• to CPU Core Current Limit.
[Values 33~57] Resumes full adjustment for Turbo Mode Parameters but disallows configuration for Turbo Mode.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology ® [Enabled]
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology ® allows the system operation system to dynamically adjust processor voltage and cores frequency, which can result in decreased average power consumption and decreased average heat production.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
It automatically allows processors cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if it’s operating below power, current, and temperature specification limit.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Turbo Mode Parameters
Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 1 in Watts. Default setting of this item is TDP (130W). For
Sandy Bridge-E, Turbo Ratio can be kept a time duration exceeding TDP for maximum performance. Any value under 255 can be programmed. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Long Duration Maintained [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 1 Time in second. The value can vary from 1 to 32, which indicates that the time window for Turbo Ratio over TDP should be maintained. Use the
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 2 value in Watts. It is the second power limit to provide rapid protection when package power exceeds Power Limit 1. Default setting is 1.25 times
Power Limit 1. Intel recommends that the platform must be capable of supporting over
Power Limit 2 for up to 10 msec. ASUS board can support over Power Limit 2 for a long duration. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Additional Turbo Voltage [Auto]
Maximum additional voltage can be applied to the CPU when Turbo Boost is engaged.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
CPU Core Current Limit [Auto]
This item allows user to enter CPU Core Current Limit, unit in 0.125A. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU VCORE Voltage [Offset Mode]
This adjusts the power supply for the processor cores and cache to help core frequency overclocking.
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU VCORE voltage.
[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the Offset voltage.
CPU VCORE Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and allows you to set a fixed CPU VCORE voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.
Offset Mode Sign [+]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU VCORE Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the VCORE offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a
0.005V interval.
CPU VCCSA Voltage [Offset Mode]
This adjusts the power supply for the processor’s I/O, DMI, and PCI Express Controller to help DRAM and BCLK overclocking.
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed VCCSA CPU voltage.
[Offset Mode] Allows you to set the VCCSA Offset voltage.
CPU VCCSA Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Manual Mode] and allows you to set a fixed CPU VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.800V to 1.700V with a 0.005V interval.
Offset Mode Sign [+]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU VCCSA Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Offset Mode] and allows you to set the VCCSA offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to 0.635V with a
0.005V interval.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.
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3-22
DRAM Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V interval.
DRAM Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V interval.
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1.65V.
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.10V with a 0.00625V interval.
VTTCPU Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the VTTCPU voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.70V with a
0.00625V interval.
PCH 1.1v Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the 1.1v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.10V to
1.70V with a 0.00625V interval.
PCH 1.5v Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the 1.5v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.50V to
1.80V with a 0.00625V interval.
• The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage,
VCCSA Voltage, VCCIO Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings. Refer to the table below for details.
• The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings.
VTTDDR Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]
Allows you to set the active termination voltage for DRAM on Channel A and B. The values range from 0.6250V to 1.10V with a 0.00625V interval.
VTTDDR Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]
Allows you to set the active termination voltage for DRAM on Channel C and D. The values range from 0.6250V to 1.10V with a 0.00625V interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel A. The values range from
0.3950V to 0.6300V with a 0.005V interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel A. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel B. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel B. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel C. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel C. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel D. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel D. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel A. The values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel B. The values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel C. The values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel D. The values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Setting to [Disabled] enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Setting to [Disabled] enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-23
3.5 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.
3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.1 CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.
Scroll down to display the following items:
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]
This function includes TM1, TM2, and EMTTM.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.
Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
Hyper-threading [Enabled]
The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two threads or processes simultaneously.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Only one thread per activated core is enabled. Disabled for other
OS (OS not optimized for Hyper-Threading Technology).
Two threads per activated core are enabled. Enabled for
Windows XP and Linux (OS optimized for Hyper-Threading
Technology).
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Active Processor Cores [All]
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for
CPUs with extended CPUID functions.
Disables this function (for Windows XP).
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).
Intel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several systems.
Disables this function.
CPU Power Management Configuration
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows user to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The value will be limited to
CPU-based or factory setting.
Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The values range from 12 to 22 with a 1 interval.
(The valid value ranges may vary according to your CPU model.)
[Values 12~20] Presets Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and Turbo
Mode to [Disabled] but can be adjusted.
[Values 21~22] Disallows configuration for Turbo Mode.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Enhanced Intel ® SpeedStep Technology (EIST) allows the system operation to dynamically adjust processor voltage and cores frequency, which can result in decreased average power consumption and decreased average heat production.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
The CPU runs at its default speed.
The operating system controls the CPU speed.
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
This automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if it’s operating below power, current, and temperature specification limit.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific condition.
CPU C1E [Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Set this item automatically.
Disables this function.
Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt State.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU C3 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.
CPU C6 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.
CPU C7 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to OS.
3.5.2 System Agent Configuration
Intel (R) VT-d [Disabled]
Allows you to enable virtualization technology function on memory control hub.
[Enabled] Enables the function.
[Disabled] Disables this function.
PCIEX16_1 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_2 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_3 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_4 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_5 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_6 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_7 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
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3.5.3 PCH Configuration
High Precision Timer [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.4 SATA Configuration
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA
Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.
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SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[Disabled]
[IDE Mode]
Disables the SATA function.
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices. Hotplug support configurations for
SATA are disallowed under this mode.
[AHCI Mode] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands.
[RAID Mode] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the
SATA hard disk drives.
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
SATA6G_1 (Gray)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_2 (Gray)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_3 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_4 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
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SATA6G_5 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_6 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appear only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode]. It’s allow user to enabled/disabled SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
The following two items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode].
Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced]
Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 0.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enhance] [Compatible]
Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced]
Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 1.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enhance]
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.5 USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
• [Disabled] The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.
• [Enabled]
• [Auto]
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the function.
• [Enabled] Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems
(OS).
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the function.
• [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature.
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3.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuraton
Scroll down to display the following items:
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Azalia HD Audio [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the controller.
• [Enabled] Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.
The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to
[Enabled].
Front Panel Type [HD]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC97 or highdefinition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.
• [HD]
• [AC97]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC97
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]
• [SPDIF] Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.
• [HDMI] Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Intel LAN1 Controller [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the controller.
• [Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller.
Intel LAN1 OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the LAN1 PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Intel LAN2 Controller [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the controller.
• [Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller.
Intel LAN2 OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disable the LAN2 PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable VIA 1394 Controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Asmedia USB 3.0.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Marvell Storage OPROM [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Marvell Storage OPROM.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Serial Port Configuration
Serial Port [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Serial Port (COM).
[Disabled] Disables configuration.
[Enabled] Change Settings appear under [Enabled]. Select an optimal setting for Super IO device.
Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]
Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4]
[IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]
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3.5.7 APM
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Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]
[Power On]
[Power Off]
[Last State]
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Space Bar]
[Ctrl-Esc]
[Power Key]
Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.
Sets the Space Bar on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.
Sets the Ctrl+Esc key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.
Sets Power key on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Power On By PCIE/PCI [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the PCIE devices from generating a wake event.
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the Ring device from generating a wake event.
Enables the Ring device to generate a wake event.
Power On By RTC [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables RTC from generating a wake event.
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and
Hour/Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values. Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the values.
ErP Ready [Disabled]
This item allows user to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement. When set to Enabled, all other PME options will be switched off.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled in S5] [Enabled in S4 and S5]
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.6 Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
Scroll down to display the following items:
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
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CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
Chassis Fan 1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, CPU OPT, and chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected speed.
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
• [Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed in case the fan stops working.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] The CPU fan will automatically adjust depending on the CPU temperature
[Silent] Minimizes the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation
[Turbo] Achieves maximum CPU fan speed
[Manual] Users can assign detailed fan speed control parameters
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].
CPU Upper Temperature [70] (in celsius)
Use the <+> and <-> keys to set the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 20°C to 75°C. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, CPU fan will operate at maximum duty cycle in full speed.
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle (%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. The minimum value cannot be lower than the setting of the
Min. Duty Cycle.
CPU Lower Temperature [20] (in celsius)
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature. Users can set the CPU Fan Min.
Duty Cycle when CPU temperature is lower than the CPU Lower Temperature setting.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle (%) [20]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0% to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 20°C, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
• [Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
• [Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed in case the fan stops working.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
Chassis 1/2/3/4 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] The chassis fan will automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature.
[Silent] Minimizes the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation
[Turbo] Achieves maximum chassis fan speed
[Manual] Users can assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Profile to
[Manual].
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Upper Temperature [70] (in celsius)
Use the <+> and <-> keys to set the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from 40°C to 90°C. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, CPU fan will operate at maximum duty cycle in full speed.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle (%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. The minimum value cannot be lower than the setting of the Min Duty Cycle.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Lower Temperature [40] (in celsius)
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature. Users can set the CPU Fan
Min. Duty Cycle when CPU temperature is lower than the CPU Lower Temperature setting.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Min. Duty Cycle (%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from 60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40°C, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle.
CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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3.7 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
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Boot Configuration
Fast Boot [Enabled]
[Enabled] Select to accelerate the boot speed.
[Disabled] Select to go back to normal boot.
The following four items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].
USB Support [Partial Initialization]
[Disabled]
[Full Initialization]
[Partial Initialization]
All USB devices will not be available until OS boot up for the fastest POST time.
All USB devices will be available during POST. This process will extend the POST time.
For a faster POST time, only the USB ports with keyboard and mouse connections will be detected.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Support [Auto]
Select any of these settings when PS/2 keyboard and mouse are installed. These settings only apply when Fast Boot is enabled.
[Auto] For a faster POST time, PS/2 devices will only be available when the system boots up or rebooted when the PS/2 devices have not been reconnected or changed. If you disconnect or change PS/2 devices before restarting the system, PS/2 devices
[Full Initialization]
[Disabled] will not be available and BIOS setup program will not be accessible via PS/2 devices.
For full system control, PS/2 devices will be available during
POST at any circumstances. This process will extend POST time.
For the fastest POST time, all PS/2 devices will not be available until your computer enters the operating system.
Network Stack Driver Support [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Select to skip the network stack driver from loading during POST.
Select to load the network stack driver during POST.
Next Boot after AC Power Loss [Normal Boot]
[Normal Boot]
[Fast Boot]
Returns to normal boot on the next boot after AC power loss.
Accelerates the boot speed on the next boot after AC power loss.
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the full screen logo display feature.
Disables the full screen logo display feature.
Set this item to [Enabled] to use ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
POST Delay Time [3 sec]
This item appears only when you set Full Screen Logo to [Enabled]. This item allows you to select the desired additional POST waiting time to easily enter the BIOS setup. You can only execute the POST delay time during Normal Boot. The values range from 1 to 10 seconds.
This feature will only work under normal boot.
Bootup NumLock State [On]
[On]
[Off]
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]
[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.
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Setup Mode [EZ Mode]
[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.
[EZ Mode] Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.
CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
Allows you to configure the CSM (Compatibility Support Module) items to fully support the various VGA, bootable devices and add-on devices for better compatibility.
Launch CSM [Auto]
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
The system automatically detects the bootable devices and the add-on devices.
For better compatibility, enable the CSM to fully support the non-
UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows ® UEFI mode.
Disable the CSM to fully support the non-UEFI driver add-on devices or the Windows ® UEFI mode.
The following items appear when you set the Launch CSM to [Enabled].
Boot Devices Control [UEFI and Legacy OpROM]
Allows you to select the type of devices that you want to boot.
Configuration options: [UEFI and Legacy OpROM] [Legacy OpROM only] [UEFI only]
Boot from Network Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of network devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from Storage Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of storage devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Both, Legacy OpROM first] [Both, UEFI first] [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first] [Ignore]
Boot from PCIe/PCI Expansion Devices [Legacy OpROM first]
Allows you to select the type of PCIe/PCI expansion devices that you want to launch.
Configuration options: [Legacy OpROM first] [UEFI driver first]
Secure Boot
Allows you to configure the Windows ® Secure Boot settings and manage its keys to protect the system from unauthorized access and malwares during POST.
OS Type [Windows UEFI mode]
[Windows UEFI
Mode]
[Other OS]
Allows you to select your installed operating system. Execute the Microsoft ® Secure Boot check. Only select this option when booting on Windows
Boot compliant OS.
® UEFI mode or other Microsoft ® Secure
Get the optimized function when booting on Windows ® non-
UEFI mode, Windows ® Vista/ Windows ® XP, or other Microsoft ®
Secure Boot non compliant OS. Microsoft supports Windows ® UEFI mode.
® Secure Boot only
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Key Management
This item appears only when you set Secure Boot Mode to [Custom]. It allows you to manage the Secure Boot keys.
Install Default Secure Boot keys
Allows you to immediately load the default Security Boot keys, Platform key
(PK), Key-exchange Key (KEK), Signature database (db), and Revoked
Signatures (dbx). When the default Secure boot keys are loaded, the PK state will change from Unloaded mode to loaded mode.
Save Secure Boot Keys
Allows you to save the PK (Platform Keys) to a USB storage device.
PK Management
The Platform Key (PK) locks and secures the firmware from any permissible changes. The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS.
Delete PK
Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active.
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
Load PK from File
Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device.
The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable.
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3.8 Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
3.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility to update BIOS. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice.
For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.
3.8.2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information
This menu shows information on the DIMM slots.
• OK:
• N/A:
• Abnormal:
DRAM is working fine.
DRAM is not installed.
DRAM error.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
The Setup Profile Status items will show Not Installed if no profile is created.
Label
Allows you to input the label of setup profile.
Save to Profile
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key in a profile number from one to eight, or use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the number. Press
<Enter>, and then select Yes.
Load from Profile
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile number that saved your BIOS settings, or use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the number. Press
<Enter>, and then select Yes.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!
• We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU configuration and BIOS version.
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3.9 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu.
Exit
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. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Yes to load the default values.
Save Changes & Reset
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.
Discard Changes & Exit
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit.
ASUS EZ Mode
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.
Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device
This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of the available filesystem devices.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.10 Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS ROM file for this motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1. ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.
2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.
3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
4. ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update or BIOS Updater utilities.
3.10.1 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows ® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
•
•
•
•
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
Save the current BIOS file
• View the BIOS version information
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Quit all Windows ® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
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Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Update BIOS from Internet, and then click Next.
2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic.
If you want to enable the BIOS downgradable function and auto
BIOS backup function, check the checkboxs before the two items on the screen.
3. Select the BIOS version that you want to download. Click Next.
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4. You can decide whether to change the BIOS boot logo, which is the image appearing on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).
Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo or No to continue.
5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Update BIOS from file, and then click Next.
2. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, click Open, and click Next.
3. You can decide whether to change the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo or No to continue.
4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.
• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
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3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:
1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.
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3. Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.
4. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS, and then press <Enter>.
5. Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.
6. Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perform the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.
3.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 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 BIOS file.
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.
4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!
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3.10.4 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.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown.
Before updating BIOS
1. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and single partition.
2. Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http:// support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.
• NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.
• Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.
3. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).
Booting the system in DOS environment
1. Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.
2. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device.
Please select boot device:
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Enter Setup
↑
and ↓ to move selection
ENTER to select boot device
ESC to boot using defaults
3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number.
4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!
C:\>d:
D:\>
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
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 enough free space to save the file.
1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename] and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.cap
Filename Extension
The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.
2. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When
BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2011/04/29]
Current CAP
BOARD: P9X79-E WS
VER: 0220
PATH: A:\
VER:
Update CAP
BOARD: Unknown
Unknown
BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.
Note
Saving BIOS:
ASUS P9X79-E WS 3-51
Updating the BIOS file
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater
1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2011/04/29]
Current CAP
BOARD: P9X79-E WS
VER: 0220
DATE: 08/09/2011
PATH:
A:
A:\
Update CAP
BOARD:
VER:
Unknown
Unknown
P8P67D.CAP 4194304 2011-08-05 17:30:48
3-52
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
3. Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.
Are you sure you want to update the BIOS?
Yes No
4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!
• For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS prompt after updating BIOS.
• Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.
• Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them.
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chapter 4:
Software support
Chapter summary
4
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software. This chapter contains the following sections:
Installing an operating system .................................................................4-3
ASUS P9X79-E WS
4.1 Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows your hardware.
® 8 / 64-bit 8 / 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS).
Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of
• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
• Ensure that you install the Windows ® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
4.2 Support DVD information
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
4.2.1 Running the support DVD
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-3
4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals.
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ®
Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.
1. Click on the Manual tab. Click on ASUS Motherboard Utility
Guide from the manual list on the left.
2. The Manual folder of the support
DVD appears. Double-click the folder of your selected software.
3. Some software manuals are provided in different languages.
Double-click the language to show the software manual.
4-4
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals containing in the support DVD vary by models.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3 Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information.
4.3.1 ASUS AI Suite II
AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.
Installing ASUS AI Suite II
To install ASUS AI Suite II on your computer
1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has enabled the Autorun feature.
2. Click on the Utilities tab, then click ASUS AI Suite II.
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.
Using ASUS AI Suite II
AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows
ASUS AI Suite II main menu bar.
® operating system (OS). The
ASUS AI Suite II icon appears in the Windows ® notification area. Click on the icon to open the
Click on each button to select and launch a utility, to monitor the system, to update the motherboard BIOS, to display the system information, and to customize the settings of ASUS AI
Suite II.
Click to customize
Click to show the
Click to update the motherboard BIOS
Click to select a utility
• The Auto Tuning button appears only on models with the TurboV EVO function.
• The applications in the Tool menu vary with models.
• The screeshots of ASUS AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference only. The actual screenshots vary with models.
• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
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4.3.2 ASUS SSD Caching II
ASUS SSD Caching II uses installed SSDs for multi-caching of frequently accessed data or applications. It combines multiple SSDs’ performance and hard-drive capacity to boost the system’s overall performance.
Launching ASUS SSD Caching II
To launch ASUS SSD Caching, click Tool > ASUS SSD Caching II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Application help
HDD
Configuring ASUS SSD Caching II
1. Connect at least one HDD and one or more SSDs to the the Marvell ®
ASUS SSD Caching automatically detects the HDD and SSDs.
SATA ports.
2. Tick one or more SSDs and click parallel to the HDD you want to cache your SSD with. Wait while caching is in process.
You can also cache multiple SSDs to different HDDs at the same time.
Chapter 4: Software support
3. To cancel caching, click .
• During initialization, you can proceed with doing any system operations. You can check the caching status later or wait for a pop-up message notifying that initialization is completed.
• For regular usage, the SATA6G_E12/E34 connectors are recommended for data drives.
• After disabling SSD Caching, the SSD will become a non-configurable disk in
Windows OS. To use the SSD again for normal functions, go to Disk Management to reconfigure the SSD.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-7
4.3.3 Ai Charger+
This utility allows you to fast-charge your portable BC 1.1* mobile devices on your computer’s
USB port three times faster than the standard USB devices**.
• * Check your manufacturer if your USB device is a Battery Charging Specification 1.1
(BC 1.1) compliant or compatible device.
• ** Actual charging speeds may vary depending on the charging rate and specifications of your USB device.
• To ensure normal charging function, disconnect and reconnect your USB device every time you enable or disable Ai Charger+.
4-8 Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.4 ASUS Update
ASUS Update lays out the options for updating BIOS on your system. Update BIOS utility on your system or simply save the utility for later use just by following the directions on this convenient updating feature.
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by clicking Update> ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using ASUS Update
Select the way you would like to do with the BIOS utility. Click on Next and follow the instructions to complete your request.
• Update BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and follow the suggested procedures to update the BIOS version on your system.
• Download BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and save for later use.
• Update BIOS from file
Use the BIOS utility demanded from a source file to update the BIOS version on your system.
There may be risks of system crash when updating BIOS. Backing up the original BIOS utility is recommended before updating.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-9
4.3.5 DIGI+ Power Control
DIGI+ PowerControl allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance reliability and stability. It also provides the highest power efficiency, generating less heat to longer component lifespan and minimize power loss.
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch DIGI+ Power Control by clicking Tool > DIGI+ Power Control on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Select CPU Power or DRAM Power to adjust the power control settings.
CPU Power 4 5
1
2
Application aids
3
6
7
4-10
Function no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Function description
CPU Load-line Calibration
It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system temperature. Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal.
CPU Current Capability
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking.
A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.
CPU Voltage Frequency
Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and component thermal. Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.
VCCSA Load-line Calibration
The behavior of the DRAM Controller is decided by the VCCSA Loadline. Set to a higher value for system performance, or to a lower value for better thermal solution.
VCCSA Current Capability
A higher value brings wider total DRAM Controller power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
CPU Power Phase Control
Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance. Reduce phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency.
CPU Power Duty Control
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal of every phase component.
Chapter 4: Software support
DRAM Power
1
2
3
Application aids
Function no.
1
2
3
Function description
DRAM Current Capability
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
DRAM Voltage Frequency
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to increase OC Range.
DRAM Power Phase Control
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or select Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase
DRAM power efficiency.
• The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
• Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-11
4.3.6 EPU
EPU is an energy-efficient tool that satisfies different computing needs. This utility provides several modes that you can select to save system power. Selecting Auto mode will have the system shift modes automatically according to current system status. You can also customize each mode by configuring settings like CPU frequency, GPU frequency, vCore Voltage, and
Fan Control.
Launching EPU
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch EPU by clicking
Tool > EPU on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
4-12
Advanced settings for each mode
• Select From EPU Installation to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you installed EPU.
• Select From the Last Reset to show the total CO2 that has been reduced since you click the Clear button .
• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.7 FAN Xpert+
FAN Xpert+ intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s system loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
Launching FAN Xpert+
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch FAN Xpert+ by clicking Tool > FAN Xpert+ on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using FAN Xpert+
Click Fan Name to select a fan and then click Setting to select a preset mode for your selected fan.
Click to select a fan type Click to select a fan profile
Click to apply the settings
Click to discard the settings
•
•
•
•
•
Fan setting
Disable: disables the FAN Xpert+ function.
Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.
Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.
Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.
User: Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
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4-14
4.3.8 MyLogo2
This MyLogo utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power-On-Self-Tests (POST). Personalize your computer from the very beginning!
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch MyLogo by clicking
Update> MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using MyLogo
Select the way you would like to do update your boot logo. Then click Next and follow the given instructions.
Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard
1. Under Current BIOS, click Browse and choose the desired image for your boot logo.
Then click on Next.
Chapter 4: Software support
2. Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar.
3. You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image. Then click Next.
4. Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo.
5. Click on Yes to reboot or you can also see the new logo next time you restart your computer.
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this
BIOS to the motherboard
1. At BIOS File, Browse to download the requested BIOS file to your system. This utility will help you detect the compatibility of the BIOS version.
2. Then at Picture File, Browse to select the desired image for boot logo. Click Next.
3. Follow steps 2-5 in Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard to complete logo update.
The fullscreen logo application in BIOS utility must be enabled for MyLogo to take effect.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-15
4.3.9 Probe II
Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.
Launching Probe II
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Probe II by clicking
Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring Probe II
Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize the time interval of sensor alerts, or change the temperature unit.
4-16
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.10 TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency and related voltages as well as Auto Tuning function that offers automatic and easy overclocking and system level up. After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support
DVD, launch TurboV EVO by clicking Tool > TurboV EVO on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
TurboV
TurboV allows you to overclock the BCLK frequency, CPU voltage, CPU PLL voltage, and
DRAM Bus voltage in Windows rebooting the OS.
® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.
For system stability, all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.
Load profile
Target values
Current values
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-17
Using Advanced Mode
Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.
Current values
CPU Ratio
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.
The first time you use CPU Ratio, go to AI Tweaker > CPU Power Management in BIOS and set the Turbo Ratio item to [Maximum Turbo Ratio setting in OS].
1. Click on the CPU Ratio tab.
2. Drag the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value.
3. Click on Apply to make the change take effect.
CPU Ratio
Adjustment bar
4-18
• Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function in TurboV. Refer to Chapter 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.
• The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU model.
Chapter 4: Software support
CPU Strap
Allows you to manually adjust CPU Strap.
1. Click on the CPU Strap tab.
2. Click on the adjustment bar to the desired value. The graph on the right will change value accordingly.
3. Click on Apply to make the change take effect.
CPU Strap
Adjustment bar
• Every CPU Strap support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
Auto Tuning
ASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes, providing the most flexible auto-tuning options.
• The overclocking result varies with the CPU model and the system configuration.
• To prevent overheating from damaging the motherboard, a better thermal environment is strongly recommended.
•
• Fast Tuning: fast CPU overclocking
Extreme Tuning: extreme overclocking for CPU and memory
Using Fast Tuning
1. Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click Fast.
2. Read through the warning messages and click OK to start auto-overclocking.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-19
4-20
3. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU, saves BIOS settings and restarts the system. After re-entering Windows, a message appears indicating auto tuning success. Click OK to exit.
Using Extreme Tuning
1. Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click Extreme.
2. Read through the warning messages and click OK to start auto-overclocking.
3. TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU and memory and restarts the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears indicating the current overclocking result. To keep the result, click
Stop.
4. If you did not click Stop in the previous step, TurboV automatically starts further system overclocking and stability test.
An animation appears indicating the overclocking process. Click
Stop if you want to cancel the
Overclocking process.
5. TurboV automatically adjusts and saves BIOS settings and restarts the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears indicating auto tuning success.
Click OK to exit.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.11 USB 3.0 Boost
The ASUS exclusive USB 3.0 Boost provides speed boost for USB 3.0 devices and the up-to-date support of USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). With USB 3.0 Boost, you can accelerate the transfer speed of your USB 3.0 devices with ease.
Launching USB 3.0 Boost
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch USB 3.0 Boost by clicking Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost
1. Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.
2. USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the connected device and switches to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the connected device).
3. You can manually switch the USB 3.0 mode back to Normal mode at any time.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-21
4.3.12 Audio configurations
The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek ® proprietary UAJ ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience.
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek ® came with the motherboard package.
Audio Driver from the support DVD that
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the Realtek HD Audio
Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio
Manager.
A. Realtek HD Audio Manager with DTS UltraPC II for Windows ® 7™ / Vista™
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)
Information button
Exit button
Minimize button
Control settings
Set default device buttons
Connector settings
Analog and digital connector status
B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP
Configuration options
Exit button
Minimize button
Control settings window
4-22
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.13 ASUS Dr. Power Utility
ASUS Dr. Power is a monitoring utility that provides notifications when the power supply is unable to provide sufficient power to the system. You can choose to allow continuous notifications or stop messages from appearing until the next time you reboot your computer.
The utility is used to monitor changes in the power supplied to the system that may affect performance and system stability.
ASUS Dr. Power Utility runs on your system only when the Dr. Power switch is enabled.
(Please refer page 2-14 for additional details). If the switch is disabled, the Dr. Power icon will not be available on the Windows® notification area.
Installing Dr. Power Utility
To install Dr. Power on your computer:
1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The setup window will be displayed if
Autorun is enabled on your system.
2. Click the Drivers tab and then click ASUS Dr. Power.
3. Follow the instructions to complete installation.
Using Dr. Power
After you complete installation, ASUS Dr. Power Utility will appear on the Windows status.
® notification area. Place your mouse pointer over the Dr. Power icon to display current power
Right-click on the Dr. Power icon on the notification area and click Event Notification to disable or enable messages from the utility.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-23
When ASUS Dr. Power detects that your system is running low on power, an event notification pops up to indicate that your power supply requires attention. The message will be displayed for 15 seconds or until you click the Close button. ASUS Dr. Power will notify you of the power status if the same conditions are present on your system.
•
•
ASUS Dr. Power can be configured to provide notifications at regular intervals:
• 15 minutes - Messages will be displayed every 15 minutes.
4 hours - Messages will be displayed every 4 hours.
Not showing - Messages for any power issues will not be displayed.
4-24 Chapter 4: Software support
4.4 RAID configurations
The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:
• Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.
• Mavell ® RAID utility with RAID 0 and RAID 1 support.
• You must install Windows
Windows ®
® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
XP SP3 or later versions.
• Due to Windows only.
® XP / Vista limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk
• If you want to install a Windows ® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation. Refer to section 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
4.4.1 RAID definitions
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-25
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4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:
1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
2. Connect the SATA signal cables.
3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using
SATA HDDs. To do this:
1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
2. Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
3. Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].
4. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.
Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
4.4.4 Intel
®
Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To enter the Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:
1. Turn on the system.
2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ MAIN MENU ]
1. Create RAID Volume 3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID
2. Delete RAID Volume 4. Exit
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]
RAID Volumes:
None defined.
Physical Devices:
Port Device Model Serial # Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu
Chapter 4: Software support
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus and select the menu options.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen.
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.
Creating a RAID set
To create a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears:
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]
Name: Volume0
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)
Disks: Select Disks
Strip Size: 128KB
Capacity: 0.0 GB
Sync: N/A
Create Volume
[ HELP ]
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is
16 characters or less.
[↑↓]Change [TAB]-Next [ESC]-Previous Menu [ENTER]-Select
2. Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.
3. When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select a RAID level to create, and then press <Enter>.
4. When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives you want to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears:
[ SELECT DISKS ]
Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status
0 ST3160812AS 9LS0HJA4 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
1 ST3160812AS 9LS0F4HL 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
2 ST3160812AS 3LS0JYL8 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
3 ST3160812AS 9LS0BJ5H 149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.
[↑↓]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-27
5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.
6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID array (for RAID 0, 10 and 5 only),and then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4KB to 128KB. The following are typical values:
RAID 0: 128KB
RAID 10: 64KB
RAID 5: 64KB
We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing.
7. When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you want and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.
8. When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following warning message appears:
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):
9. Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu.
4-28 Chapter 4: Software support
Deleting a RAID set
Take caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set.
To delete a RAID set:
1. From the utility main menu, select 2. Delete RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The following screen appears:
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]
Name Level Drives Capacity Status Bootable
Volume0 RAID0(Stripe) 2 298.0GB Normal Yes
[ HELP ]
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Previous Menu [DEL]-Delete Volume
2. Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and then press
<Del>. The following warning message appears:
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):
3. Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press <N> to return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.
Exiting the Intel
®
Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To exit the utility:
1. From the utility main menu, select 4. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The following warning message appears:
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):
2. Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-29
4-30
4.4.5 Marvell RAID utility
The onboard Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller allows you to create a RAID 0 or
RAID 1 array using two SATA hard disk drives. Refer to Chapter 2 of your motherboard user manual for the exact location of the Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s connector.
To enter the Marvell utility, press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST.
All exisiting data on the hard disk drives will be erased when creating or deleting a RAID array. Ensure that you have back up all your data in your hard disk drives before making any change to the drive status.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
└ Free Physical Disks
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Information
Vendor ID : 1B4B
Device ID : 9130
Revision ID : B1
BIOS Version : 1.0.0.1028
Firmware Version:
Configure SATA as:
2.2.0.1105
AHCI Mode
▶ ▶
Help
Create a RAID Array
1. Move the selection bar to HBA 0: Marvell 0 and press <Enter>.
2. Select Configuration Wizard and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disks
HBA 0: Marvell 0
├ Virtual Disks
└ Free Physical Disks
└ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Port ID : 0
PD ID : 0
Type : SATA PD
Status : Unconfigured
Size : 152626MB
Feature Support : MCQ 3G 48Bits
Current Speed : 3G
Model : ST3160812AS
Serial : 9LS0F4HL
FW Version : 3.AAE
▶
Help
▶
3. Press <Space> to select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array.
An asterisk (*) appears in front of the selected hard drive. After selecting all the drives needed for the RAID array, press <Enter> to continue.
Chapter 4: Software support
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disksCreate Virtual Disk
├ Virtual Disks
└ Free Physical Disks
* ├ PD 0: ST3160812AS
* └ PD 8: ST3160812AS
Max Size(MB) : 305253
Stripe Size : 64KB
Quick Init : Yes
Name : Default
Threshold(%) : 90
Next
▶
Help
Virtual disk configurations.
ENTER: Select F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return
▶
4. Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press <Enter> to configure further RAID settings.
RAID Level: Select a RAID Level. Configuration options: [RAID 0] [RAID 10] [RAID1]
Stripe Size: Specifies the size of single data block on the virtual disk. In general, a larger stripe size is recommended for applications requiring large data transfers such as audio, video, and graphics. A smaller stripe size is better for applications with content in much smaller size, such as e-mails and documents.
Configuration options: [32K] [64K]
Name: Enter a name with 1–10 letters (no special characters) for the RAID array.
5. Move the selection bar to Next and press <Enter>. The following warning message appears:
Create Virtual Disk
Do you want to create this virtual disk ?
Y es N o
Press <Y> to create the RAID array, or press <N> to cancel. The new RAID array appears under Virtual Disks, as shown in the image below.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-31
4-32
Topology
├
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
│ └ VD 0: New_VD
│ └ PD 8: ST3160812AS
└
Virtual Disks
Free Physical Disks
Information
Vendor ID : 1B4B
Revision ID : B1
Firmware Version: 2.2.0.1105
Configure SATA as: AHCI Mode
▶
Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return
6. Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Y es N o
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
▶
Delete an existing RAID Array
1. Select the RAID array to delete and press <Enter>. Select Delete and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology Information
├ Virtual Disks
│ ├ PD 0: ST3160812AS
│ └ PD 8: ST3160812AS
└
ID :
Status :
0
Functional
RAID Mode : RAID0
BGA Status : N/A
Members : 0 8
▶
Help
Delete the selected virtual disk.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return
▶
Chapter 4: Software support
2. The following warning message appears:
Delete Virtual Disk
Do you want to delete this virtual disk ?
Y es N o
Press <Y> to delete the selected RAID array. The following warning message appears:
Delete MBR
Do you want to delete MBR from this virtual disk ?
Y es N o
Press <Y> to delete the Master Boot Record (MBR) from the selected RAID array.
3. Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Y es N o
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 4-33
4-34 Chapter 4: Software support
Chapter 5:
Multiple GPU technology support
Chapter summary
5
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. This chapter contains the following sections:
ATI ® CrossFireX™ technology ..................................................................5-3
NVIDIA ® CUDA™ technology ..................................................................5-15
ASUS P9X79-E WS
5.1 ATI
®
CrossFireX™ technology
The motherboard supports the ATI section.
® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multigraphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this
5.1.1 Requirements
• In CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready graphics cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are ATI ® certified.
•
•
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system.
• We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
• Visit the ATI Game website at http://game.amd.com for the latest certified graphics card and the supported 3D application list.
5.1.2 Before you begin
For ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers before installing ATI CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers
1. Close all current applications.
2. For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
3. Select your current graphics card driver/s.
4. For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.
For Windows Vista, select Uninstall.
5. Turn off your computer.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-3
5.1.3 Installing two CrossFireX™ graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1. Prepare two CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 1 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
Goldfingers
5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
5.1.4 Installing three CrossFireX™ graphics cards
1. Prepare three CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the three graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than three PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 1 in this user manual for the locations of the
PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the two
CrossFireX bridge connectors to the goldfingers on each graphics card.
Ensure that the connectors are firmly in place.
5. Connect three independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the three graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-5
5.1.5 Installing four CrossFireX™ graphics cards
1. Prepare four CrossFireX-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the four graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. Refer to Chapter 1 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the four
CrossFireX bridge connectors to the goldfingers on each graphics card.
Ensure that the connectors are firmly in place.
5. Connect four independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the four graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1.6 Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers.
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
5.1.7 Enabling the AMD
®
CrossFireX™ technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™ feature through the AMD Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.
Launching the AMD Catalyst Control Center
To launch the AMD Catalyst Control Center:
1. Right-click on the Windows ®
Catalyst Control Center.
desktop and select
2. Click Catalyst Control Center to configure the displays and settings of your AMD graphic cards.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-7
Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology
1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Performance > AMD CrossFireX TM .
2. Select Enable CrossFireX TM .
3. Select a GPU combination from the drop-down list.
4. Click Apply to save and activate the GPU settings made.
2
1
3
4
5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2 NVIDIA
®
SLI™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
5.2.1 Requirements
• In Dual SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are
NVIDIA ® certified.
• In Triple SLI mode, you should have three identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are
NVIDIA ® certified.
• Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
• Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system.
• We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
• The NVIDIA Triple SLI technology is supported by Windows ® only.
Vista™ operating system
• Visit the NVIDIA zone website at http://www.nzone.com for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-9
5-10
5.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
1. Prepare two SLI-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
SLI bridge
Goldfingers
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2.3 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards
1. Prepare three SLI-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the three graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the 3-Way SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5. Connect three independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the three graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
3-Way SLI bridge
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-11
5.2.4 Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards
1. Prepare four SLI-ready graphics cards.
2. Insert the four graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the
PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card installation.
3. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4. Align and firmly insert the 4-Way SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5. Connect four independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the four graphics cards separately.
6. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
5-12
4-Way SLI bridge
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2.5 Enabling the NVIDIA
®
SLI™ technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA®
Control Panel under the Windows® 7 operating system.
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.
A. Right click on the empty space of the Windows ®
Panel.
desktop and select NVIDIA Control
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See Step
B3).
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step
(A), select Screen Resolution.
B2. From the Screen Resolution window, click Advanced settings.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-13
B3. The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears.
Enabling SLI settings
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select Configure SLI, Surround, PhysX.
In the Quad-SLI enabled, click Maximize
3D Performance SLI to set the display for viewing SLI rendered content. When done, click Apply.
5-14 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.3 NVIDIA
®
CUDA™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® CUDA™ technology and up to 4 NVIDIA ® purpose computing performance. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
Tesla™ computing processor cards(based on different type tesla cards), providing the optimum multi
5.3.1 Requirements
• 32/64-bit Microsoft ® Windows XP/ Vista/ Linux RHEL5.X/ Open SuSE11.X OS
• The requirements of memory and power supply vary with the Telsa cards you installed.
• We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment.
• The installation steps might be a little different with the Telsa cards you selected and the VGA output functions. Visit http://www.nvidia.com for more details if needed.
• Visit the NVIDIA CUDA Zone website at http://www.nvidia.com/object/cuda_home.html for the latest driver, list of CUDA-certified graphics card and supported 3D application list.
5.3.2 Installing CUDA-ready graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models, but the general installation steps remain the same.
1. Insert four Tesla computing processor card(s) into the PCIe x16_1, PCIe x16_3, PCIe x16_5, and PCIe x16_7 slot. Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slot.
ASUS P9X79-E WS 5-15
5-16
2. Connect either one 8-pin power connector or two 6-pin power connectors from the power supply to the Quadro graphics card and Tesla computing processor card(s).
3. Connect a display cable to the graphics card.
SLI bridge
Goldfingers
4. Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers.
5. To verify graphics card driver installation, right-click My Computer and select
Properties from the menu. Click the
Hardware tab, and then click Device
Manager. Click the “+” sign before
Display adapters, and the installed graphics card and computing processor card(s) should appear.
The screen differs based on the components you installed.
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address
Telephone
Fax
Web site
15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259
+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2890-7798 [email protected]
www.asus.com.tw
Technical Support
Telephone
Online support
+86-21-38429911 support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address
Telephone
Fax
Web site
800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA
+1-812-282-3777
+1-510-608-4555 usa.asus.com
Technical Support
Telephone
Support fax
Online support
+1-812-282-2787
+1-812-284-0883 support.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address
Fax
Web site
Online contact
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
+49-2102-959911 www.asus.de
www.asus.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone
Support Fax
Online support
+49-1805-010923*
+49-2102-9599-11 support.asus.com
* EUR 0.14/minute from a German fixed landline; EUR 0.42/minute from a mobile phone.
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Key Features
- Intel LGA 2011 (Socket R) Intel® Core™ i7
- PC SSI CEB Intel X79 7.1 channels
- DDR3-SDRAM ECC Non-ECC Maximum internal memory: 64 GB
- 4-Way CrossFireX, 4-Way SLI
- BIOS type: UEFI AMI 64 Mbit ACPI version: 2.0a
- Gigabit Ethernet
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