ESC700 G2 Workstation User's Manual
E7224 First Edition April 2012 Copyright © 2012 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”).
Contents Notices......................................................................................................... vii Federal Communications Commission Statement............................ vii Canadian Department of Communications Statement...................... vii REACH ........................................................................................... vii Safety information..................................................................................... viii Electrical Safety.......
Contents 2.5 2.6 2.7 Installing hard disk drives.......................................................... 2-13 Installing 5.25-inch drives.......................................................... 2-15 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.9 2.7.1 Slot description.............................................................. 2-18 2.7.3 Configuring an expansion card...................................... 2-20 Installing expansion cards.............................................. 2-19 Removing the system fan.............
Contents 4.5.5 SATA Configuration........................................................ 4-34 4.5.7 Onboard Devices Configuraton...................................... 4-38 4.5.6 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.5.8 4.10 Boot menu................................................................................... 4-44 Tools menu.................................................................................. 4-45 4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility................................................. 4-46 4.8.3 ASUS O.C.
.3.2 TurboV EVO..................................................................... 6-9 6.3.4 EPU................................................................................ 6-15 6.3.3 6.3.5 6.3.6 6.3.7 6.3.8 6.3.9 6.3.10 6.4 6.3.11 6.4.1 Appendix: vi FAN Xpert+.................................................................... 6-16 Probe II.......................................................................... 6-17 Sensor Recorder..........................................................
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement 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 A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Safety information Electrical Safety • • • • Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power cables for the system unit and all attached devices are unplugged. To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system, contact a qualified service technician or your dealer.
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.
Conventions To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. 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 information to aid in completing a task. Typography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
This chapter describes the general features of the workstation, including sections on front panel and rear panel specifications.
1.1 System package contents Check your system package for the following items. Model Name Accessories ESC700 G2 1 x ASUS ESC700 G2 User’s Guide 1 x ESC700 G2 Support DVD 1 x Windows 7 Professional Recovery DVD 32-Bit (for OS bundled SKU) 1 x Windows 7 Professional Recovery DVD 64-Bit (for OS bundled SKU) 1 x AC Power Cable 1 x COM Port Cable Optional Items DVD-ROM / DVD-RW Smart Card Reader Anti-virus Software CD If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.
1.3 System specifications The ASUS ESC700 G2 is a workstation featuring the ASUS P9X79 WS SYS motherboard. The workstation supports Intel® LGA1155 Xeon® E3-1200 / Core™i3-2100 series processors, plus other latest technologies through the chipsets onboard. Model Name ESC700 G2 Genuine Windows® 7 Professional * Preloaded OS varies in different SKUs.
Front Panel I/O 2 x USB 3.0 ports 2 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x Line In 1 x Line Out Anti-virus Software Optional Anti-Virus CD Pack Dimension (HH x WW x DD) 190mm x 423mm x 435mm (W x H x D) Net Weight Kg (CPU, DRAM & HDD excluded) 10.
1.4 Front panel features The workstation system displays a simple yet stylish front panel with easily accessible features. The power and reset buttons, LED indicator, optical drive, card reader, and four USB ports are located on the front panel. For future installation of 5.25-inch devices, two drive bays are available. Optical Drive Empty 5.25-inch bay Smart Card Reader (optional) Reset button Microphone / Headphone ports USB 2.0/USB 3.
1.5 Rear panel features The rear panel includes a slot for the motherboard rear I/O ports, expansion slots, a power supply module, and a vent for the system fan. The PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port, USB ports, DVI-I ports, Audio ports, S/PDIF Out ports, and Gigabit LAN ports do not appear on the rear panel if motherboard is not present. Power cord connector Power supply module Power supply switch PS/2 keyboard / mouse port USB 2.0 ports USB BIOS Flashback switch Optical SPDIF Out port USB 2.
1.6 Internal features The barebone workstation includes the basic components as shown. 5 1 2 6 7 4 8 9 3 1. Power supply unit 3. ASUS P9X79 WS/SYS motherboard 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 120mm system fan CPU heatsink and fan assembly Optical drive (optional) 5.
1.7 LED information 1.7.1 Front panel LED HDD Access LED Power LED LED Color Display status Description Power LED Blue ON System power ON Orange OFF Blinking No activity Read/write data into the HDD HDD Access LED 1.7.
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing or removing system components.
2.1 Chassis cover You have to remove the left side cover to install or replace internal components of the server system. • Ensure that you unplug the power cord before removing the side cover. • Take extra care when removing the side cover. Keep your fingers from components inside the chassis that can cause injury, such as the CPU fan, rear fan, and other sharp-edged parts. To remove the left side cover 1. Remove the two screws that secure the left side cover to the chassis. 1 1 2.
3. Slide the left side cover for about half an inch toward the rear until it is disengaged from the chassis. Carefully lift the cover and set it aside.
2.2 Motherboard overview The barebone server comes with the P9X79 WS/SYS motherboard already installed. The motherboard is secured to the chassis by nine (9) screws as indicated by the circles in the illustration below. Refer to Chapter 3: Motherboard information for detailed information on the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis Ensure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing any motherboard component or connection.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition and Xeon® E5-1600 Series Processors. 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.
2.3.1 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.
5 6 I H Triangle mark 7 8 K J 9 L M ASUS ESC700 G2 2-7
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary.
2 Do not forget to connect the CPU_FAN connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with eight 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.
2.4.2 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 dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the highersized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. 2. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clip outward. DIMM notch Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the DIMM slot key on the socket. 1 2 DIMM slot key Unlocked retaining clip A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
2.5 Installing hard disk drives The workstation system provides three (3) internal Serial ATA hard disk drive bays. To install a Serial ATA hard disk drive 1. Refer to the previous section to remove the side cover. 3. Lift up the secure tab on the HDD cage. 4. Swing out the HDD cage. 2. Pull out the bay locks on the HDD cage.
5. 6. 7. 8. With the HDD label side up, carefully insert the drive into the 3.5-inch bay and push the drive into the bay until its screw holes align with the holes on the drive bay. Swing back the HDD cage. Push in the bay locks to secure the hard disk drive. Connect a 7-pin SATA cable (from the motherboard SATA port) and a 15-pin power plug (from the power supply unit) to the back connectors of the hard disk drive. Use either the 15-pin SATA power connector OR the legacy 4-pin power connector.
2.6 Installing 5.25-inch drives Ensure to unplug the power cable before installing or removing any system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard and other system components! The system comes with three 5.25-inch drive bays located on the upper front part of the chassis. An optical drive that comes standard/optional with the system package occupies the uppermost bay (labeled 1). The lower bays (labeled 2 and 3) are available for additional 5.
2.6.2 Installing 5.25-inch drives To install 5.25-inch drives 1. 2. 2-16 Select the drive bay you intend to use and remove the drive slot plate cover. Release the bay locks. 3. Insert the drive into the 5.25-inch drive bay and carefully push the drive into the bay until its screw holes align with the holes on the bay. 4.
5. 6. Connect a 7-pin SATA cable (from the motherboard SATA port) and a 15-pin power plug (from the power supply unit) to the back connectors of the hard disk drive. Reinstall the front panel cover and side covers when done. Use either the 15-pin SATA power connector OR the legacy 4-pin power connector. DO NOT use both to prevent damage to components and to keep the system from becoming unstable.
2.7 Expansion cards The system comes with six PCI Express 3.0 x16 slots (2 at x16 or x8 mode, 2 at x8 mode, and 2 at x4 mode). 2.7.1 Slot description Slot No. Slot Description 2-18 1 PCIe 3.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode) 2 PCIe 3.0 x16_2 slot (x8 mode) 3 PCIe 3.0 x16_3 slot (x4 mode) 4 PCIe 3.0 x16_4 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode) 5 PCIe 3.0 x16_5 slot (x4 mode) 6 PCIe 3.
2.7.2 Installing expansion cards Ensure to unplug the power cable before installing or removing an expansion card. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard and other system components! To install an expansion card 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card. Remove the left side cover from the chassis. Lay the system on its side on a flat, stable surface.
2.7.3 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. 3. 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.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx16_2 PCIEx16_3 PCIEx16_4 PCIEx16_5 PCIEx16_6 VIA1394 Asmedia USB3.0-1 Asmedia USB3.0-2 LAN1 (82579V) LAN2 (82574L) SATA Controller 1 SATA Controller 2 USB 2.0 Controller 1 USB 2.
2.8 Removing the system fan You may need to remove previously installed system components when installing or removing other system components, or when replacing a defective component. This section tells how to remove the system fan. To remove the system fan: 1. Disconnect the chassis fan cable from the CHA_FAN1 connector on the motherboard. 2. Locate and remove four system fan screws at the rear panel. Keep the screws for later use. Hold the system fan with one hand while removing the system screws.
2.9 Connecting cables The ESC700 G2 chassis includes the power and signal cables that you need to connect to the motherboard, storage drives, and other devices that you intend to install. • The bundled system cables are pre-connected before shipment. You do not need to disconnect these cables unless you will remove pre-installed components to install additional devices. • Refer to Chapter 3 for detailed information on the connectors. 2 1 7 5 4 3 8 6 Standard cables connected to the motherboard 1.
2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware setup
This chapter gives information about the motherboard that comes with the workstation. This chapter includes the motherboard layout, jumper settings, and connector locations.
3.1 Motherboard layouts P9X79 WS/SYS Motherboard Refer to 3.3 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots 1. ATX Power connectors (8-pin EATX12V, 24-pin EATXPWR) 2. DDR3 DIMM slots LGA2011 CPU Socket 3. CPU, CPU OPT, Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4. 4-pin CHA_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3/4) 5. EZ Plug (4-pin EZ_Plug) MemOK! switch 6. 7. EPU Switch 8. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34) 9. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray]) 10. Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue]) 11. Q-Code LED (LED0, LED1) 12.
3.2 1. Jumpers 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. 3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 2. 4. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
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.
3.3 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. 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. 2.
3. MemOK! switch Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DIAG_LED 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.
3.4 1. 2. Onboard LEDs 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.
3. 4. EPU LED The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable. TPU LED The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable.
5. 3-10 Q-Code LEDs The Q-Code LED design provides you the 2-digit display, allowing you to know the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table below for details.
Q-Code table Code Description 00 Not used 01 Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
Q-Code table (continued) 3-12 Code Description 31 Memory Installed 32 – 36 CPU post-memory initialization 37 – 3A Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started 3B – 3E Post-Memory PCH initialization is started 3F – 4E Post memory initialization codes 4F DXE IPL is started 50 – 53 Memory initialization error.
Q-Code table (continued) Code Description F5-F7 Reserved for future AMI progress codes F8 Recovery PPI is not available F9 Recovery capsule is not found FA Invalid recovery capsule FB-FF Reserved for future AMI error codes 60 DXE Core is started 61 NVRAM initialization 62 Installation of the PCH Runtime Services 63 – 67 CPU DXE initialization is started 68 PCI host bridge initialization 69 System Agent DXE initialization is started 6A System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started
Q-Code table (continued) 3-14 Code Description 97 Console Output devices connect 98 Console input devices connect 99 Super IO Initialization 9A USB initialization is started 9B USB Reset 9C USB Detect 9D USB Enable 9E-9F Reserved for future AMI codes A0 IDE initialization is started A1 IDE Reset A2 IDE Detect A3 IDE Enable A4 SCSI initialization is started A5 SCSI Reset A6 SCSI Detect A7 SCSI Enable A8 Setup Verifying Password A9 Start of Setup AA Reserved for ASL (s
Q-Code table (continued) Code Description AC Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below) AD Ready To Boot event AE Legacy Boot event AF Exit Boot Services event B0 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin B1 Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End B2 Legacy Option ROM Initialization B3 System Reset B4 USB hot plug B5 PCI bus hot plug B6 Clean-up of NVRAM B7 Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings) B8– BF Reserved for future AMI codes C0– CF BDS initialization codes D0
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints 3-16 Code Description 0x01 System is entering S1 sleep state 0x02 System is entering S2 sleep state 0x03 System is entering S3 sleep state 0x04 System is entering S4 sleep state 0x05 System is entering S5 sleep state 0x10 System is waking up from the S1 sleep state 0x20 System is waking up from the S2 sleep state 0x30 System is waking up from the S3 sleep state 0x40 System is waking up from the S4 sleep state 0xAC System has transitioned into ACPI mode.
3.5 Connectors 3.5.1 Rear panel connectors 1 5 6 7 8 2 3 9 10 4 11 12 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port 7. USB BIOS Flashback button 2. LAN (RJ-45) port 1* 8. Optical S/PDIF Out port 3. IEEE 1394a port 9. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 4. LAN (RJ-45) port 2** 10. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8 5. PS/2 keyboard port 11. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2 6. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3, and 4 12. Audio I/O ports** *and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions.
• 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.
Connect to Stereo Speakers Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers Connect to 4.
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers Connect to 7.
3.5.3 1. USB BIOS Flashback Download the BIOS Flashback program file from the ASUS service website (www.asus. com). Save the program file to a USB portable disk. Ensure that the USB portable drive is formatted as FAT32. 2. 3. 4. 5. 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) Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the light will begin to flash (on the third second).
3.5.4 1. 3-22 Internal connectors 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. • These connectors are set to [AHCI 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.
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 [AHCI Mode] by default.
3. 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.
4. USB 2.0 connectors (Type A: USB13; 10-1 pin USB910; USB1112) 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.
5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 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. 6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).
7. 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. Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
8. 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.
10. 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.
11. 3-30 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V) 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.
12. EZ Plug connector (4-pin EZ_PLUG) This 4-pin connector is for HDD power supply plug. When using 3 or more graphic cards, more power may be needed, Use this connector to enhance power by 12V.
13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. • • • • • 3-32 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.
Chapter 3 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and describes the BIOS parameters.
Chapter 3: 4.1 Knowing BIOS BIOS setup 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.
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. 4.2.1 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.
4.2.2 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 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 or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen.
4.3 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. UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Exit Monitor BIOS Information BIOS Version Build Date EC Version ME Version 0238 x64 09/16/2011 MBEC-X79-0218 7.1.20.1089 CPU Information Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.
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 . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. 2. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press . To change an administrator password: 1. 2. 3. 4.
4.4 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: 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] [Manual] [X.M.P.] Loads the optimal settings for the system. Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.
Turbo Ratio [Auto] Allows you to manually adjust the Turbo CPU ratio. [Auto] All Turbo ratio are set by Intel CPU default settings [By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in OS)] All numbers of active cores will be set to one single Turbo ratio in OS [By Per Core (Cannot Adjust 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.
4.4.1 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 key. Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default settings.
Scroll down to display the following items: Scroll down to display the following items: 4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Scroll down to display the following items: 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.
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.
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 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8
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 R1) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [A
DRAM IOL (CHB D1 R0) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12
DRAM IOL (CHC D0 R1) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12
DRAM IOL (CHD D0 R0) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12
DRAM IOL (CHD D1 R1) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12
4.4.2 DIGI+ Power Control UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Advanced Exit Monitor CPU Load-line Calibration Ultra High CPU Current Capability 100% VCCSA Load-line Calibration Auto VCCSA Current Capability 100% CPU Voltage Frequency CPU Spread Spectrum Boot Tool [X.M.P.] When XMP is enabled BLCK frequency, CPU ratio and memory parameters will be auto optimized. Auto Disabled CPU Power Duty Control T.
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.
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] Maintains thermal balance. [Extreme] 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.
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.
4.4.3 CPU Performance Settings The items in this menu is setting for CPU Ratio/Features.
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.
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.
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.
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.
4.5 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.
4.5.1 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. UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Exit Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Advanced\ CPU Configuration > CPU Configuration Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.
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] [6] [7] Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled] [Enabled] Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions. Disables this function (for Windows XP). [Disabled] Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
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.
PCIEX16_4/6 Link speed [GEN3] Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3] PCIEX16_3/5 Link speed [GEN3] Allows you to select the target link speed. Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3] 4.5.4 PCH Configuration UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Advanced Exit Monitor Boot Tool Advanced\ PCH Configuration > PCH Information High Precision Timer Enabled Enabled/Disabled the High Precision Event Timer.
SATA Mode [AHCI Mode] Allows you to set the SATA configuration. [Disabled] [IDE Mode] [AHCI Mode] [RAID 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. Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface).
SATA3G_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]. SATA3G_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].
4.5.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Advanced Exit Monitor Boot Tool Advanced\ USB Configuration > USB Configuration USB Devices: 1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 4 Hubs Legacy USB Support Enabled Legacy USB3.0 Support Enabled EHCI Hand-off Disabled Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO option disables legacy support if no USB devices are connected.
4.5.7 Onboard Devices Configuraton UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Exit Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration > Azalia HD Audio Enabled Front Panel Type HD SPDIF Out Type SPDIF Intel LAN1 Controller Enabled Intel LAN1 PXE OPROM Disabled Intel LAN2 Controller Enabled Intel LAN2 PXE OPROM Disabled VIA 1394 Controller Enabled Asmedia USB 3.
Intel LAN1 Controller [Enabled] [Disabled] Disables the controller. [Enabled] Enables the Intel LAN controller. Intel LAN1 PXE 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.
4.5.8 APM UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Exit Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Advanced\ APM > Restore AC Power Loss Power Off Power On By Keyboard Disabled Power On By Mouse Disabled Power On By PCIE Disabled Power On By Ring Disabled Power On By RTC Disabled ErP Ready Disabled Specify what state to go to when power is re-applied after a power failure (G3 state).
4.6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.
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] [Enabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
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.
4.7 Boot menu UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Exit Advanced Monitor Bootup NumLock State On Full Screen Logo Disabled Wait For ‘F1’ If Error PCI ROM Priority Boot Tool Select the keyboard NumLock state Enabled Legacy ROM Setup Mode Boot Option Priorities Boot Option #1 EZ Mode IBA GE Slo... > Network Device BBS Priorities →←: Select Screen ↑↓: Select Item Enter: Select +/-: Change Opt.
PCI ROM Priority [Legacy ROM] [Legacy ROM] Allows the PCI adapter cards to boot from the Legacy ROM. [EFI Compatible ROM] Allows PCI adapter cards to booth from the EFI Compatible ROM. 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. Boot Option Priorities These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility to update BIOS. When you press , a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press to confirm your choice. For more details, refer to section 4.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility. 4.8.2 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.
4.8.3 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode Ai Tweaker Main Back Exit Advanced Monitor Boot Tool Tool\ ASUS O.C. Profile > O.C.
4.9 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 UEFI 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.
4.10 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.
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. 4.
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.
4.10.2 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. 2. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program.
• 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 4.9 Exit Menu for details. 4.10.
4.10.4 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. 2. 3. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and single partition.
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 . D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom 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.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater 1. At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press . D:\>bupdater /pc /g 2. The BIOS Updater screen appears as below. ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2011/04/29] Current ROM BOARD: P9X79-WS-SYS VER: 0220 DATE: 08/09/2011 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ P8P67D.ROM A: 4194304 2011-08-05 17:30:48 Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move 3.
This chapter provides information on how to configure your hard disk drives as RAID sets.
5.1 RAID configurations The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solution: • Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Enterprise with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support. 5.1.1 • You must install 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 Windows® XP SP3 or later versions. • Due to Windows® XP / Vista limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB cannot be set as a boot disk.
5.1.2 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. 3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. 2. Connect the SATA signal cables. 5.1.
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 .
5. 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press after completing your selection. 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 . The available stripe size values range from 4KB to 128KB.
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 . The following screen appears: Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology - Option ROM - v3.0.0.1184 Copyright(C) 2003-11 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ DELETE VOLUME MENU ] Name Volume0 Level RAID0(Stripe) Drives 2 Capacity 298.
This chapter provides information on how to install the drivers for system components. This chapter also describes the software applications that the barebone workstation supports.
6.1 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. 6.1.1 • 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® XP limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 6.1.4 Using a USB floppy disk drive.
6.1.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP: 1. 2. 3. 4. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install thirdparty SCSI or RAID driver. Press , and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version.
6.1.4 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.
7. Use Notepad to open the file. 8. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] sections in the txtsetup.oem file. 9. Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections: id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor” [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C02&CC_0106”,”iaStor” id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor” [HardwareIds.scsi.
6.2 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. 6.2.1 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.
6.2.2 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.
6.3 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. 6.3.1 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. 2. 3.
6.3.2 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 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.
Using Advanced Mode Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings. Advanced mode Target values Voltage Adjustment bars Undoes all changes without applying Applies all changes immediately Current values Click to restore all start-up settings 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. 2. 3.
CPU Strap Allows you to manually adjust CPU Strap. 1. 2. 3. Click on the CPU Strap tab. Click on the adjustment bar to the desired value. The graph on the right will change value accordingly. Click on Apply to make the change take effect. CPU Strap Adjustment bar Undoes all changes without applying Applies all changes immediately Click to restore all start-up settings Every CPU Strap support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
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. 6-12 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.
6.3.3 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.
DRAM Power 1 Application aids 2 3 Apply all changes immediately Undo all changes without applying Function no. 1 DRAM Current Capability A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously. 2 DRAM Voltage Frequency Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to increase OC Range.
6.3.4 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.
6.3.5 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 automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool environment.
6.3.6 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.
6.3.7 Sensor Recorder Sensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on a timeline. The History Record function allows you to designate specific time spans on record to keep track of the three system statuses for certain purposes. Launching Sensor Recorder After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Sensor Recorder by clicking Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
6.3.8 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. 2. 3. Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.
6.3.9 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.
6.3.10 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.
2. Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar. 4. Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo. 3. 5. You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image. Then click Next. 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. 2. 3.
6.3.11 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.
6.4 System Recovery The system Recovery Partition (F9 Recovery) and the Recovery DVD assist you in reinstalling the OS and restoring it to its original working state. Before using the Recovery Partition or the Recovery DVD, copy your data files (such as Outlook PST files) to USB flash drives or to a network drive and make note of any customized configuration settings (such as network settings). We recommend that you recover the system using the Recovery Partition for faster system recovery.
7. After the system reboots, Windows® begins system configurations. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the process, and then restart the computer. This Recovery DVD is for ASUS Workstation only. DO NOT use it on other computers. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
6-26 Chapter 6: Driver installation
This section provides a troubleshooting guide for solving common problems when using the barebone workstation.
A.1 Simple fixes Some problems that you may encounter are not due to defects on the system or the components. These problems only requires simple troubleshooting actions that you can perform by yourself. Problem The power LED on the workstation or on the monitor do not light up Action 1. Check if the power cable is properly connected to the power connector in the system rear panel. 2. Ensure that the power cables are connected to a grounded power outlet.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site Technical Support Telephone Online Support 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2894-7798 info@asus.com.tw http://www.asus.com +86-21-58660909 http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address Fax Web site Technical Support Support Fax General Support Online support 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539, USA +1-510-608-4555 http://usa.asus.com +1-812-284-0883 +1-812-282-2787 http://support.asus.com/techserv/techserv.aspx ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Fax Web site Online contact Technical Support Telephone Support Fax Online support Harkort Str.
