Installing an operating system. Asus P8Z77-V PREMIUM, P8Z77-V LX

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows your hardware.

® XP/ 64-bit XP / 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 and system stability.

® XP Service Pack 3 or Windows ® 64-bit XP / 7

/ 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS) before installing the drivers for better compatibility

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.

The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to use the devices.

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.

The Make Disk menu contains items to create the RAID/AHCI driver disk.

The Manual menu contains the list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.

Click the Contact tab to display the

ASUS contact information.

Click an icon to display DVD/ motherboard information

Click an item 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 P8Z77-V LX 4-1

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 the Manual tab. Click 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.

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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 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 AI Suite II

To install 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 the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II .

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.

Using AI Suite II

AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows ® operating system (OS). The AI

Suite II icon appears in the Windows main menu bar.

® notification area. Click the icon to open the AI Suite II

Click 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 AI Suite II.

Click to update the motherboard BIOS

Click to monitor sensors or CPU frequency

Click to select a utility

Click to customize the interface settings

Click to show the system information

Shortcut to the Auto Tuning

Mode under TurboV EVO

• 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 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 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 overlocking 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, IMC 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.

Auto Tuning Mode

TurboV

Load profile

Target values

Current values

Advanced

Mode

Save the current settings as a new profile

Voltage

Adjustment bars

Undoes all changes without applying

Applies all changes immediately Click to restore all start-up settings

For advanced overclock ability, adjust first the BIOS items, and then proceed more detailed adjustments.

Chapter 4: Software support

Using Advanced Mode

Click More Settings , and then click the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.

Current values

Click to restore all start-up settings

Voltage

Adjustment bars

Undoes all changes without applying

Applies all changes immediately

GPU Boost

Allows you to manually set the GPU Boost.

The first time you use GPU Boost , go to AI Tweaker in BIOS and set the iGPU voltage item to [Manual Mode] .

1. Click the GPU Boost tab.

2. Slide the bar to adjust the iGPU Max Frequency or the iGPU Voltage.

3. Click Apply to make the change take effect.

CPU Ratio

Click to restore all start-up settings

Applies all changes immediately

Undoes all changes without applying

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Auto Tuning

Auto Tuning is an intelligent tool that overclocks your system to achieve a total system level up using TurboV. Even O.C. beginners can achieve extreme yet stable overlocking results with Auto Tuning!

•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 .

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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.

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4.3.3 DIGI+ VRM

ASUS DIGI+ VRM 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+ VRM by clicking Tool > DIGI+ VRM on the AI Suite II main menu bar.

1

2

3

4

5

6

Application helps

4-8

7

Apply all changes immediately

Undo all changes without applying

Items Function description

1

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.

2

3

4

5

6

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.

iGPU Load-line Calibration

Load-line is defined by Intel VRM specifications, and affects the iGPU voltage. The iGPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to integrated graphics loading. A higher value can get a higher iGPU voltage, and a good performance, but increases the CPU and VRM thermal conditions.

iGPU Current Capability

A higher value brings a wider total iGPU power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously to enhance the iGPU performance.

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.

7

CPU Power Duty Control

CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal of every phase component.

• The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.

• Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.

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

4.3.4 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.

Displays the following message if no VGA power saving engine is detected.

The items lighting up means power saving engine is activated

Displays the amount of CO2 reduced

*Shifts between the display of Total and

Current CO2 reduced

Displays the current

CPU power

Advanced settings for each mode

Displays the system properties of each mode Multiple system operating modes

*• 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.

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4.3.5 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 controls of fan speed 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

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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.

• Intelligent: automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient temperature.

• Stable: fixes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation.

However, the fan will speed up when the temperature exceeds 70°C.

• 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.

Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.6 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.

Saves your configuration

Loads your saved configuration

Loads the default threshold values for each sensor

Applies your changes

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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4.3.7 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.

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• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.

• Due to Intel ® chipset limitation, Intel ® USB 3.0 ports do not support ASUS 3.0 Boost in

Windows XP operating system.

• Use the USB 3.0 devices for high performance. The data transfer speed varies with

USB devices.

Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.8 Audio configurations

The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek giving users plug and play convenience.

® proprietary UAJ ®

(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and

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. Doubleclick on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP

Exit button

Configuration options

Minimize button

Control settings window

Information button

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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4.4 Introduction to Intel

®

2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies

•

•

•

This document details the overview of the installation and configuration procedures of the

Intel ® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies.

Intel

®

2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies feature the three technologies:

Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology

Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology

4.4.1 System Requirements for Intel

®

2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies

In order for the system to run smoothly for the Intel ® 2012 Desktop responsiveness, you must meet the following requirements:

1. CPU: Intel ® 3rd/2nd generation Core Processor family

2. OS:

3. SSD:

Windows ® 7 operating systems

One dedicated SSD (Solid State Disk) to support Intel

Intel ® Rapid Start Technology is necessary.

® Smart Response and

Refer to the SSD Capacity Requirements table for the information of SSD size, partition capacity, and system memory requirements.

4. HDD: At least one HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for the system OS drive.

5. DRAM: To enable Intel required.

® Rapid Start Technology, DRAM size smaller than 8GB is

Ensure to enable the acceleration of Intel ® creating the partition for the Intel ®

Smart Response Technology before

Rapid Start Technology.

Chapter 4: Software support

SSD Capacity Requirements

SSD Partition Capacity

Requirements

Intel

Intel ®

® Rapid Start

Smart Response

Intel ® Smart Response

Intel ® and

Rapid Start

Intel ® Smart Response,

Intel ® Rapid Start,

Intel ®

and

Smart Connect

2GB

2GB

20GB

Separate 20GB and 2GB partition

(SSD size >

22GB)

Separate 20GB and 2GB partition

(SSD size >

22GB)

System DRAM

4GB

4GB

20GB

Separate

20GB and 4GB partition

(SSD size >

24GB)

Separate

20GB and 4GB partition

(SSD size >

24GB)

8GB

8GB

20GB

Separate

20GB and 8GB partition

(SSD size >

28GB)

Separate 20GB and 8GB partition

(SSD size >

28GB)

• The SSD used for Intel ® Rapid Start and Intel ® Smart Response is not allowed for creating RAID.

• Due to OS behavior, Intel ® Rapid Start Technology works inefficiently with over 4G system memory under Windows

• Only Intel ®

® 7 32-bit operating system.

internal SATA ports (gray and blue) support Intel ® 2012 Desktop responsiveness technologies.

• The performance of Intel ® Smart Response Technology and Intel ® Rapid Storage

Technology vary by the installed SSD.

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4.4.2 Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

Intel ® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed fast SSD (min. 20GB available) as a cache for frequently accessed operations, speeding up hard drive/main memory interaction. Key benefits are expedited hard drive speeds, reduced load and wait times, and maximized storage utilization. Power consumption also goes down by reducing unnecessary hard drive spin.

Before applying Intel details

® Smart Response Technology, setting the SATA Mode BIOS item to

[RAID mode] in BIOS setup is necessary. Refer to section 3.5.3 SATA Configuration for

Installing Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has enabled the Autorun feature.

2. Click the Drivers tab, then click Intel ® Rapid Storage Technology Driver software.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Using the Intel

®

Smart Response Technology

1. Click Accelerate to launch Smart

Response Technology settings.

2. Select the SSD you want to use to

accelerate your storage system. b. Select the size allocated for SSD

caching. c. Select which HDD for caching. d. Enhanced mode : WRITE THROUGH,

write to SSD and HDD at the same

time.

Maximized mode : WRITE BACK, write

to SSD and write back to HDD in a later time.

Chapter 4: Software support

3. Select Disable Acceleration to disable this function, and select Change Mode to switch acceleration mode to Enhanced/

Maximized.

• To enable Intel ® Smart Response Technology, you need at least one SSD (

a HDD, and only one SSD can be assigned for caching.

>= 20GB) and

• If you want to restore the OS, go to BIOS Option ROM > Acceleration Options and

remove the Disks/Volume Acceleration to disable Intel ® Smart Response Technology.

Refer to Chapter 4, section Installing Serial ATA hard disk for the entry of BIOS Option

ROM.

• The maximum caching size on the SSD is 64GB. If it exceeds, the storage capacity left

out for caching can still be identified by the system for normal storage.

4.4.3 Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology

Intel ® Rapid Start Technology allows you to quickly resume your computer from sleeping mode. Saving your computer’s system memory to the configured SSD provides a faster wake-up response time, but keeps the energy in a low profile.

• Before applying Intel ® Rapid Start Technology, go to Advanced Mode > Advanced >

PCH Configuration in BIOS item, and enable Intel ® Rapid Start Technology.

• Ensure to follow the procedure Creating a partition precisely to enable the Intel

Rapid Start function. Error message appears if you install the Intel before creating a partition.

® Rapid Start Utility

Creating a partition

• Ensure to backup your data before using the Microsoft partition tool. Incorrect partitioning process will result to data loss.

• Adjusting the DRAM to a high frequency will result to unstable system performance.

1. Go to Start, right-click Computer > Manage > Disk Management .

2. Select the SSD that you want to create the partition.

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3. Right click the New Volume that you want to shrink from, and select Shrink Volume .

4. If your SSD is not initialized and unformatted: a. Right click the disk that you want to create the partition, and select Initialize . b. Right click the unallocated volume, select New Simple Volume , and follow the

remaining steps.

If your SSD is smaller than 64GB, and is set to Full disk capacity caching option for Intel ®

Smart Response, you can not see any volume in the Disk Management. Ensure to set your cache memory value of 18.6GB

in Intel ® Smart Response to allow enough capacity for the

Intel ® Rapid Start partition.

5. Key in the required partition size, and must be equal to the system DRAM memory

(1GB = 1024MB). Click

Shrink .

Go to Start > Control

Panel > System and

Security > System , and check the DRAM size information.

The unallocated volume is allocated to the selected disk.

Chapter 4: Software support

6. To launch the disk partitioning tool, click Start > Programs > Accessories >

Command Prompt tool.

7. Type diskpart and press Enter .

8. In the diskpart prompt, type list disk after DISKPART, and press Enter . Select the disk with the unallocated volume by typing select disk x (x = disk number), and press Enter .

• The value “ x ” refers to a disk number where you created the unallocated partition.

• Refer to step 5 for details about the unallocated disk space in the SSD.

9. Type create partition primary , and press Enter.

10. After creating a primary partition, type detail disk , and press Enter to view the details of the partitioned disk.

11. Select the RAW volume which has the same size as the shrinked volume, type select volume x

(x = number), and press

Enter to store the Intel

Rapid Start partition.

®

• The value “ x ” refers to a disk number where you want to create the store partition.

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12. Type set id=84 override , press Enter , and wait for the “shrinking process” until the Disk Management utility identifies a new partition called Hibernation Partition .

The Hibernation Partition does not appear when you choose “GPT (GUID Partition Table store type”. Ensure the “Unallocated” disappears from the volume, and a new partition is identified.

13. Reboot the system after creating the partition.

The partition for Intel ® Rapid Start Technology is incomplete if the computer is not rebooted, and this results to function failure of Intel ® Rapid Start Technology.

Enabling and disabling the Intel

OS

®

Rapid Start Technology under the

Install the Intel ®

Intel ®

Rapid Start Technology first from your support DVD in order to launch the

Rapid Start Manager.

After creating the partition, launch the Intel ® Rapid Start

Manager to enable or disable the Intel

Technology.

® Rapid Start

1. Click the Show hidden icons arrow from the right side of the task bar, and click Intel ® Rapid Start

Technology Manager icon.

Chapter 4: Software support

2. Tick On in the Status field to enable the function, and click Save.

Select and click to enable or disable the function

Click to enable or disable battery saving mode. This function only applies to notebooks.

Click to enable or disable the timer. When enabled, move the scroll bar to the desired time. When the system is idle for more than the time period you set, the system automatically goes into the Intel

Default time is 10 minutes.

® Rapid Start mode.

Click to save the settings made.

Click to cancel the settings made.

Recovering the partition

This procedure allows you to delete the Intel ® Rapid Start Technology from your system, and recover the partition you made for the Intel Rapid ® Start Technology installation.

1. Run the Command Prompt tool.

2. Type diskpart and press Enter .

3. At the diskpart prompt, type list disk after DISKPART, and press Enter.

4. Select the disk (SSD) where the

Intel ® Rapid Start Technology is installed for volume recovery, type select disk x

(x = number), and press Enter .

The value “ x ” refers to a disk number where you want to delete the store partition.

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5. Type list partition , press Enter, and select the partition where the Intel ®

Rapid Start Technology is installed by typing select partition x (x = number),

and press Enter .

The value “ x ” refers to a disk number where you want to delete the store partition.

6. Type delete partition override , and press Enter . The diskpart utility deletes the selected partition.

7. In the desktop, click Start , right-click Computer , and click Manage.

8. In the Computer Management window, click Disk Management , right click the shrinked new volume, and select Extend

Volume .

9. As the Extend Volume Wizard appears, click Next .

Chapter 4: Software support

10. Click Next after selecting the default selected disk.

11. Extend volume setup is completed. Click Finish to recover the Intel ® Rapid Start

Technology partition.

12. Reboot the system after deleting the partition.

13. Go to Start > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > to remove the

Intel

®

Rapid Start Manager for the complete deletion of Intel

®

Rapid Start Technology.

4.4.4 Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology

The Intel ® Smart Connect Technology is a feature that provides the latest content updates and energy efficiency to your computer’s platform.

Once installed and activated, the Intel ® Smart Connect Technology periodically wakes up the system from sleeping mode, performs user state gathering, and initiates re-entry to sleeping mode to wake-up after a set time interval.

• Intel ® Smart Connect Technology supports Windows ® Live Mail, Microsoft Outlook, and

Seesmic applications.

• It is necessary to enable the items of the PCH Configuration in the BIOS before applying the Intel ® Smart Connect Technology. Go to Advanced Mode > Advanced >

PCH Configuration , and enable the Intel ® Smart Connect Technology.

Installing the Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology

1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive.

2. Go to Utilities , and click Intel ® Smart Connect Technology .

3. As the setup wizard appears, click Next to begin the setup.

4. Tick I accept the terms in the License Agreement , and click Next .

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5. Select all and click Next for

Custom Setup .

6. Click Install to proceed the installation.

7. Click Yes to restart your system, and for the newly installed Intel ® Smart Connect

Technology to take effect.

Using the Intel

®

Smart Connect Technology

• Before the system goes to sleep mode, ensure to keep your applications on the desktop, and enter the applications, passwords.

• Ensure that the internet is in connection when enabling the Intel

Technology.

® Smart Connect

1. Click Start > All Programs > Intel > Intel ® Smart Connect Technology .

2. In the Basic tab, click Enable Updating . When enabled, the Advanced tab is available for advanced function settings.

The Advanced tab is activated when updating is enabled

Click to configure the basic settings

Click to enable or disable the function

Click to view version information and help topics

When updating is enabled, click to reset all settings to default.

When the scroll bar is activated, adjust the waking up time period for Internet data update.

Chapter 4: Software support

3. To disable the updating function, click

Disable Updating .

Clicking this button automatically disables the configuration in the

Advanced tab. To reset to defaults, click Reset

All to Defaults .

4. In the Advanced tab, set up the schedule during low power usage time period for power saving. This setting only applies to the assigned time period.

5. In the Help tab, click About to view the feature’s version. Click Topics to learn more about the Intel ® Smart Connect Technology and its configuration.

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4.5 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.

• You must install Windows ® XP Service Pack 3 or Windows ® 64-bit XP / 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS) before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows

/ 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS) .

® XP SP3 or Windows ® 64-bit XP / 7

• 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.

4.5.1 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.

Chapter 4: Software support

4.5.2 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.

4.5.3 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.

4.5.4 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 - v10.5.1.1070

Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

[ MAIN MENU ]

1. Create RAID Volume 4. Recovery Volume Options

2. Delete RAID Volume 5. Acceleration Options

3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID 6. 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

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[ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu

4-27

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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 - v10.5.1.1070

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

Chapter 4: Software support

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.

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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 - v10.5.1.1070

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.

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

4-30

[ ↑↓ ]-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!

(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)

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 5. 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.

Chapter 4: Software support

4.6 Creating a RAID driver disk

A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows ® operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.

• The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector.

You have to use a

USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.

• Windows ® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows floppy disk drive .

® XP limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.5.4 Using a USB

4.6.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS

To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:

1. Boot your computer.

2. Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.

3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.

4. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.

5. Save changes and exit BIOS.

6. When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.

7. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.

8. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.

4.6.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

®

To create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® :

1. Start Windows ® .

2. Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.

3. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.

4. Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Driver Disk to create a

RAID driver disk.

5. Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.

6. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.

Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.

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4.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

®

OS installation

To install the RAID driver in Windows ® XP:

1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install thirdparty SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.

3. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version.

4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

To install the RAID driver for Windows ® Vista or later OS:

1. During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation media containing the RAID driver.

2. Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into the optical drive, and then click Browse .

3. Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID , and then select the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK .

4. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.

4-32 Chapter 4: Software support

4.6.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive

Due to OS limitation, Windows ® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.

To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:

1. Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk containing the RAID driver.

2. Right-click My Computer on the

Windows ® desktop or start menu, and then select Manage from the pop-up window.

or

3. Select Device Manager . From the

Universal Serial Bus controllers , right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy , and then select Properties from the pop-up window.

The name of the USB floppy disk drive varies with different vendors.

4. Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) are displayed.

5. Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem

.

6. Double-click the file. A window appears, allowing you to select the program for opening the oem file.

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