Chapter 1: Product introduction. Asus H61M-E

Product introduction

1

1.1

1.1.1

Special features

Product highlights LGA1155 socket for Intel

®

3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium

®

/ Celeron

®

Processors

This motherboard supports the Intel ® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium ® / Celeron ® processors in the LGA1155 package, with iGPU, memory, and PCI Express controllers integrated to support onboard graphics out with dedicated chipsets, 2-channel (2 DIMMs) DDR3 memory, and 16 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 lanes. This provides great graphics performance. Intel ® 3rd/2nd generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium ® / Celeron ® processors are among the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.

Intel

®

H61 Express Chipset

The Intel ® H61 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design to support the new 1155 socket Intel ® 3rd/2nd Generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 / Pentium allows increased bandwidth and stability.

® / Celeron ® processors. It provides improved performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, which

Dual-Channel DDR3 2200 (O.C.) / 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz support

The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2200 (O.C.)/ 2133 (O.C.) / 2000 (O.C.) / 1866 (O.C.) / 1600 / 1333 / 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR3 architecture enlarges the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance.

* DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory frequency is supported by Intel frequencies.

PCI Express

®

3.0

®

3rd generation processors.

** Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866 memory modules runs at DDR3 2000/1800 MHz

PCI Express ® 3.0 (PCIe 3.0) is the latest PCI Express bus standard with improved encoding schemes that provide twice the performance of the current PCIe 2.0. The total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32Gb/s, double the 16 Gb/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). As such, PCIe 3.0 provides users an unprecendented data speeds, combined with the convenience and seamless transition offerred by complete backward compatibility with PCIe 1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. PCIe 3.0 will become a must-have feature for users who wish to improve and optimize graphic performance, as well as have the latest technology available to them.

* PCI 3.0 speed is supported by Intel

®

3rd generation Core™ processors.

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1-2

8-channel high definition audio

The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output and jack-detect feature that automatically detects and identifies what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate connection, which means there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic jacks.

* Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.

Gigabit LAN solution

The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efficient power management for advanced operating systems.

100% All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors for durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

1.1.2 ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS UEFI BIOS (EZ Mode)

ASUS UEFI BIOS, a UEFI compliant architecture, offers the first mouse-controlled intuitive graphical BIOS interface that goes beyond the traditional keyboard-only BIOS controls, providing you with more flexibility, convenience, and easy to navigate EFI BIOS than the traditional BIOS versions. It offers you with dual selectable modes and native support for hard drives larger than 2.2 TB.

ASUS UEFI BIOS includes the following new features: • • • F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey F3 Shortcut for most accessed information ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) information detecting faulty DIMMs, and helping with difficult POST situations.

Network iControl

Network iControl is an intuitive one-step network control center that makes it easier for you to manage your bandwidth and allows you to set, monitor, and schedule the bandwidth priorities for your network programs. It allows you to automatically connect to a PPPoE network for a more convenient online experience.

* The ASUS Network iControl feature does not support Windows

®

XP/Vista operating systems.

Ai Charger

Ai Charger is ASUS fast-charging software that supports iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

* Check your USB mobile device if it fully supports the BC 1.1 function.

** The actual charging speed may vary with your USB device’s conditions.

*** Ai Charger is only supported when you set the USB device wake-up jumpers to +5VSB. See section 1.7 Jumpers for details.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

AI Suite II

With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II integrates several ASUS utilities and allows you to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. It allows you to supervise fan speed control, and voltage and sensor readings. This all-in-one software offers diverse and ease to use functions, with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.

ASUS Anti-Surge Protection

This special design protects expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply unit (PSU).

ASUS Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust the CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

ASUS MyLogo2™

Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file.

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.

ErP ready

The motherboard is European Union´s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirements in regards to energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and energy efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.

ASUS H61M-E 1-3

1-4

1.2 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, switch off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

Standby Power LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

SB_PWR

H61M-E H61M-E Onboard LED ON OFF

Standby Power Powered Off Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3 Motherboard overview

1.3.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.3.2 Screw holes

Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

H61M-E

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1-6

1.3.3

KBMS

Motherboard layout

1 2 17.5cm(6.9in) 3 1 CPU_FAN RT 8876 ATX12V 4 USB34 LAN_USB12 CHA_FAN Lithium Cell CMOS Power

AUDIO

PCIEX16

H61M-E

RTL 8111F PCIEX1_1 Super I/O AAFP ALC 887 SB_PWR PCIEX1_2 USB56 USB78 USB910 11 10 9 Intel ® H61 CLRTC SPEAKER 64Mb BIOS F_PANEL 8 7 2 5 6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED

1. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) 2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Intel ® LGA1155 CPU socket 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 5. Intel ® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1/2/3/4) 6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 7. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 8. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 10. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 11. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

Page

1-24 1-22 1-7 1-12 1-23 1-25 1-25 1-19 1-24 1-4 1-21

1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel ® 3rd / 2nd Generation Core™ i7 / i5 / i3, Pentium ® , and Celeron ® processors.

ASUS H61M-E

H61M-E H61M-E CPU socket LGA1155

Unplug all power cables before installing the CPU.

• • • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/ transit-related.

Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1155 socket.

The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

1-7

1.4.1 CPU installation

The LGA1156 CPU is not compatible with the LGA1155 socket. DO NOT install an LGA1156 CPU on the LGA1155 socket.

1 2 A B 3 4

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

5 6 B A C 7

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1-10

1.4.2 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 2 B B A 3 4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly

1 2 B A A B

ASUS H61M-E 1-11

1.5 System memory

1.5.1 Overview

This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

H61M-E H61M-E 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

Channel

Channel A Channel B

Sockets

DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Memory configurations

• • • • • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

Memory module with memory frequency higher than 2133 MHz and its corresponding timing or the loaded XMP Profile is not the JEDEC memory standard. The stability and compatibility of these memory modules depend on the CPU's capabilities and other installed devices. Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows following: ® 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 - 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.

This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.

• • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, refer to section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

H61M-E Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3 2400 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors

G.SKILL

G.SKILL

Part No.

F3-2400C10D-8GTX(XMP) KINGSTON KHX24C11T2K2/8X(XMP)

Size

F3-19200CL 10Q-32GBZHD(XMP) 8GB 4GB

SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing

8GB(2x 4GB) SS DS DS -

Voltage

10-12-12-31 1.65V

10-12-12-31 1.65V

1.65V

DIMM socket support 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • • • • DDR3 1600 MHz and higher memory frequency is supported by Intel ® 3rd generation processors.

Due to the CPU behavior, DDR3 2133/1866 memory modules runs at DDR3 2000/1800 MHz frequencies.

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1-14

DDR3 2200 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors

GEIL

Part No.

GET34GB2200C9DC(XMP)

Size

2GB

SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing

DS 9-10-9-28

Voltage

1.65V

DIMM socket support 1 DIMM

•

2 DIMMs

•

DDR3 2133 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No.

Size

KINGSTON KHX2133C11D3T1K2/16GX(XMP) 16GB(8GB x 2) DS ADATA Team AX3U2133XW8G10-2X(XMP) TXD34096M2133HC11-L 8GB 4GB DS SS

DDR3 2000 (O.C.) MHz capability

-

Voltage

1.6V

10-11-11-30 1.65V

1.5V

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • •

Vendors Part No.

Size

Apacer 78.AAGD5.9KD(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS 9-9-9-30

Voltage

1.65V

1.65V

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • •

DDR3 1866 (O.C.) MHz capability

Vendors Part No.

Size

CRUCIAL BLE4G3D1869DE1TXO.16FMD(XMP) 4GB KINGSTON KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX(XMP) KINGSTON KHX1866C11D3P1K2/8G DS 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS -

Voltage

9-9-9-27 1.5V

1.65V

1.5V

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • •

DDR3 1600 MHz capability

Vendors

Apacer Crucial G.SKILL

HYNIX Talent ADATA SanMax

Part No.

78.B1GE3.9L10C

BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS F3-12800CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS HMT351U6CFR8C-PB WA160UX6G9 AD3U1600C4G11-B SMD-4G68HP-16KZ

Size

4GB 4GB KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8KJ9A FEIS(XMP) 2GB 4GB 4GB DS Apacer KZZC AM5D5908DEQSCK DS HYNIX DS 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS DS DS HYNIX H5TQ2G83CFR PBC N/A H5TQ2G83BFR PBC -

Timing Voltage

7-8-7-24 1.6V

9 -

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

DDR3 1333 MHz capability

Vendors Part No.

Size Timing Voltage

Apacer G.SKILL

GEIL 78.B1GDE.9L10C

GG34GB1333C9DC Hynix KINGMAX Micron HMT351U6BFR8C-H9 FLFF65F-C8KM9 NEES KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/2G NANYA PSC MT16JTF51264AZ-1G4D1 NT4GC64B8HG0NF-CG AL8F8G73F-DJ2 SAMSUNG M378B5273CH0-CH9 4GB 4GB 4GB 2GB 4GB 4GB 2GB 4GB DS Apacer F3-10666CL7D-8GBRH(XMP) 8GB(2 x 4GB) DS 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL DS Hynix DS KINGMAX DS ELPIDA DS Micron DS NANYA DS PSC AM5D5908CEHSBG GL1L128M88BA12N H5TQ2G83BFRH9C KFC8FNMXF-BXX-15A J1108BDSE-DJ-F OLD22D9LGK NT5CB256M8GN-CG A3P1GF3FGF DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846C 9 7-7-7-21 1.5V

voltage) 1.5V

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR3 1066 MHz capability

Vendors

Crucial ELPIDA

Part No.

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/4G

Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO.

CT25664BA1067.16FF 2GB DS EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS 2GB DS 4GB DS Micron ELPIDA ELPIDA Hynix 9HF22D9KPT J1108EDSE-DJ-F J1108BFSE-DJ-F H5TQ2G83AFR

Timing Voltage

7 7 1.35V(low voltage) 1.5V

1.5V

DIMM socket 1 DIMM 2 DIMMs

• • • • • • • •

SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided DIMM support: •

1 DIMM: Supports one module inserted into either slot as single-channel memory

configuration.

•

2 DIMMs: Supports one pair of modules inserted into both the blue slots as one pair of

dual-channel memory configuration.

Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest QVL.

ASUS H61M-E 1-15

1.5.3

1

Installing a DIMM

2

1-16

3

To remove a DIMM B A A

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.6.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

Replace the system cover.

1.6.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. 2. 3. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

Assign an IRQ to the card. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

1.6.3 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

1.6.4 PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard has a PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications.

PCIe 3.0 speed is supported by Intel ® 3rd generation Core™ processors.

ASUS H61M-E 1-17

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIEx16 PCIEx1_1 PCIEx1_2 Realtek 8111F controller VGA USB2.0 controller 1 USB2.0 controller 2 HD audio SATA controller 1 SATA controller 2

A

shared – shared – shared – – – – –

B

– – – shared – – – – – –

C

– – – – – – – – – –

D

– shared – – – – – – shared shared

E

– – – – – – – – – –

F

– – – – – – – – – –

G

– – – – – – – shared – –

H

– – – – – shared shared – – – 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7

1.

Jumpers

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

CLRTC 1 2

H61M-E H61M-E Clear RTC RAM

Normal (Default)

2 3

Clear RTC

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 key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter data.

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 clearing the CMOS, 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 CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

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1.8

1.8.1

1

Connectors

Rear panel ports

2 3 4 1-20

1. 2.

3.

4. 5.

9 8 7 PS/2 Mouse port. This port connects to a PS/2 mouse.

6 5 LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description

OFF ORANGE BLINKING No link Linked Data activity OFF GREEN 10Mbps connection ORANGE 100Mbps connection 1Gbps connection

LAN port

Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4, 6, and 8-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone.

Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration

Port

Light Blue (Rear panel) Lime (Rear panel) Pink (Rear panel) Lime (Front panel)

Headset 2-channel

Line In

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Mic In – Mic In – Bass/Center – Bass/Center Side Speaker Out

To configure an 8-channel audio output:

Use a chassis with HD audio module in the front panel to support an 8-channel audio output.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

6. 7. 8. 9.

USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

D-Sub port. This 15-pin port connects to a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.

PS/2 Keyboard port. This port connects to a PS/2 keyboard.

1.8.2

1.

Internal connectors

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.

AAFP PIN 1 PIN 1

H61M-E

HD-audio-compliant pin definition

H61M-E Front panel audio connector

Legacy AC’97 compliant definition • • 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]. See section 2.5.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details.

ASUS H61M-E 1-21

2. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

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.

ATX12V

H61M-E

PIN 1 +3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts +5V Standby Power OK GND +5 Volts GND +5 Volts GND +3 Volts +3 Volts PIN 1

H61M-E ATX power connectors

EATXPWR GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts -5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND -12 Volts +3 Volts • 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 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output 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.

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Intel ® H61 Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_1~4)

These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.

H61M-E

SATA3G_1 GND RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND SATA3G_3 GND RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_RXN3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND SATA3G_2 GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND SATA3G_4 GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4 GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND

H61M-E Intel ® SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors

• • • • You must install Windows ® XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA hard disk drives.

Due to H61 Chipset limitation, AHCI Mode only works on Windows ® Vista / Windows ® 7. Please use IDE Mode on Windows ® XP.

To configure the SATA type in BIOS, click Advanced Mode > Advanced tab > SATA

Configuration > SATA Mode Selection. See section 2.5.3 SATA Configuration for

details.

When using hot-plug and NCQ on Windows details.

® Vista / Windows ® 7, set the SATA Mode

Selection item in the BIOS to [AHCI]. See section 2.5.3 SATA Configuration for

ASUS H61M-E 1-23

4. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

CPU_FAN

H61M-E

CHA_FAN PWM Mode CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND

H61M-E Fan connectors

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 two fan connectors support fans of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.

Only the 4-pin CPU fan and 4-pin chassis fan support the ASUS Fan Xpert feature.

5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)

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.

USB56 USB78 USB910 1-24 PIN 1 PIN 1 PIN 1

H61M-E H61M-E USB2.0 connectors

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The USB module cable is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

F_PANEL

+PWR_LED PWR_BTN

PLED+ PLED- PWR GND

PIN 1

• • • • 7. H61M-E

HD_LED+ HD_LED-

+HDD_LED- RESET

H61M-E System panel connector System power LED (2-pin +PWR_LED-)

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 +HDD_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.

Power/Soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power button.

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.

Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)

The 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

SPEAKER

H61M-E

PIN 1

H61M-E Speaker out connector

ASUS H61M-E 1-25

1.9 Software support

1.9.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows ® XP / Windows ® Vista / Windows ® 7 / Windows ® 8 / Windows ® 8.1 Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

• • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

Ensure that you install Windows ® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows ® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

1.9.2 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.

To run the Support DVD

Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen. Click Drivers, Utilities, Make Disk, Manual, and Contact tabs to display their respective menus.

The following screen is for reference only.

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled on 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.

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction