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Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi H81M-CT specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-7 1.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.6 Jumpers 1-11 1.7 Connectors 1-12 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-19 1.9 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information ...2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-13 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-23 2.9 Tools menu 2-27 2.10 Exit menu 2-29 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-4 iii
Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi H81M-CT specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-7 1.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.6 Jumpers 1-11 1.7 Connectors 1-12 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-19 1.9 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information ...2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-13 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-23 2.9 Tools menu 2-27 2.10 Exit menu 2-29 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-4 iii
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...power cables are connected. Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are using an adapter or extension cord. It includes descriptions of the motherboard and the new technology it by yourself. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are also ...signal cables are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in any damage, contact your dealer immediately. •...
...power cables are connected. Detailed descriptions fo the BIOS parameters are using an adapter or extension cord. It includes descriptions of the motherboard and the new technology it by yourself. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are also ...signal cables are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in any damage, contact your dealer immediately. •...
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.... Please refer to the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** Due to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS H81M-CT motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of DDR3 1600MHz...
.... Please refer to the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** Due to www.asus.com for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS H81M-CT motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield Support DVD User Guide If any of DDR3 1600MHz...
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... orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can cause you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to do so can damage the motherboard. Failure to ensure that came with external ports goes to the chassis. ASUS H81M-CT 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you...
... orientation. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can cause you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to do so can damage the motherboard. Failure to ensure that came with external ports goes to the chassis. ASUS H81M-CT 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you...
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... MONO_OUT LPT USB910 USB1112 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 14 13 12 11 10 9 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Place this side towards the rear of the chassis H81M-CT 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 23 4 19.8cm(7.8in) 15 KBMS HDMI DIGI +VRM ATX12V ASM 1442K CPU_FAN COM1 VGA DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit..., 240-pin module) EATXPWR 24.4cm(9.6in) LGA1150 2 USB56 CHA_FAN LAN_USB34 COM2 16 AUDIO RTL 8111G BATTERY TPM H81M-CT PCIEX16 6 USB3_12 15 Super I/O PCIEX1_1 ASM 1083 PCI1 ALC 887-
... MONO_OUT LPT USB910 USB1112 SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 14 13 12 11 10 9 1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction Place this side towards the rear of the chassis H81M-CT 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 23 4 19.8cm(7.8in) 15 KBMS HDMI DIGI +VRM ATX12V ASM 1442K CPU_FAN COM1 VGA DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit..., 240-pin module) EATXPWR 24.4cm(9.6in) LGA1150 2 USB56 CHA_FAN LAN_USB34 COM2 16 AUDIO RTL 8111G BATTERY TPM H81M-CT PCIEX16 6 USB3_12 15 Super I/O PCIEX1_1 ASM 1083 PCI1 ALC 887-
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...) Page 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the Intel® 4th generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® , Celeron® processors. DDR3 DIMM slots 6. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 8. H81M-CT H81M-CT CPU socket LGA1150 ASUS H81M-CT 1-3 1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED...
...) Page 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the Intel® 4th generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium® , Celeron® processors. DDR3 DIMM slots 6. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 8. H81M-CT H81M-CT CPU socket LGA1150 ASUS H81M-CT 1-3 1.2.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED...
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DO NOT install a CPU designed for the LGA1150 socket only. ASUS will shoulder the cost of the PnP cap. 1.3.1 Installing the CPU 1 A B 2 3 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1150 socket. • The product warranty does not cover damage to...
DO NOT install a CPU designed for the LGA1150 socket only. ASUS will shoulder the cost of the PnP cap. 1.3.1 Installing the CPU 1 A B 2 3 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA1150 socket. • The product warranty does not cover damage to...
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... memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for the OS can be about 3GB or less. ASUS H81M-CT 1-7 DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 H81M-CT H81M-CT 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non... code (D/C) from a DDR or DDR2 module. According to Intel® chipset limitation, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of DDR3 1600MHz. • Always install DIMMs with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual ...
... memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for the OS can be about 3GB or less. ASUS H81M-CT 1-7 DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 H81M-CT H81M-CT 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non... code (D/C) from a DDR or DDR2 module. According to Intel® chipset limitation, DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory modules on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of DDR3 1600MHz. • Always install DIMMs with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual ...
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...a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at : www.asus.com for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to avoid damaging the DIMM. ...the DIMM is properly seated. 1.4.4 Removing a DIMM Locked Retaining Clip To remove a DIMM: 1. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to section 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...
...a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at : www.asus.com for manual memory frequency adjustment. • For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to avoid damaging the DIMM. ...the DIMM is properly seated. 1.4.4 Removing a DIMM Locked Retaining Clip To remove a DIMM: 1. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to section 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...
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...1. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. See Chapter 2 for later use . ASUS H81M-CT 1-9 The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you... 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you intend to do not need to the card. 3. Support the DIMM lightly with 2 your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. Install the software drivers for the card. 2. Align the card connector with the slot and press...
...1. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. See Chapter 2 for later use . ASUS H81M-CT 1-9 The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you... 1.5 Expansion slots In the future, you intend to do not need to the card. 3. Support the DIMM lightly with 2 your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. Install the software drivers for the card. 2. Align the card connector with the slot and press...
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... PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.3 PCI slots The PCI slot... supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 Intel SATA Controller Realtek LAN Intel XHC Intel EHCI1 Intel EHCI2 HD Audio A BC D E F G H shared - - - - - - -
... PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.3 PCI slots The PCI slot... supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 Intel SATA Controller Realtek LAN Intel XHC Intel EHCI1 Intel EHCI2 HD Audio A BC D E F G H shared - - - - - - -
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.... By default, this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD]. See section 2.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. 5. ASUS H81M-CT 1-15 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS setup to [AHCI]. XP...one end of the front panel audio I /O module 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 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk ...
.... By default, this connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS to [HD]. See section 2.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. 5. ASUS H81M-CT 1-15 Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS setup to [AHCI]. XP...one end of the front panel audio I /O module 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 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk ...
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... fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables. 6. H81M-CT SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 GND ... RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND H81M-CT SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors • You must install Windows. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Intel® H81 Serial ATA 3.0Gb...
... fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables. 6. H81M-CT SATA3G_1 SATA3G_2 GND ... RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND H81M-CT SATA 3.0Gb/s connectors • You must install Windows. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Intel® H81 Serial ATA 3.0Gb...
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... USB3+5V IntA_P2_SSRXIntA_P2_SSRX+ GND IntA_P2_SSTXIntA_P2_SSTX+ GND IntA_P2_DIntA_P2_D+ PIN 1 USB3+5V IntA_P1_SSRXIntA_P1_SSRX+ GND IntA_P1_SSTXIntA_P1_SSTX+ GND IntA_P1_DIntA_P1_D+ GND H81M-CT USB3.0 Front panel connector The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. 9. ASUS H81M-CT 1-17 Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward...
... USB3+5V IntA_P2_SSRXIntA_P2_SSRX+ GND IntA_P2_SSTXIntA_P2_SSTX+ GND IntA_P2_DIntA_P2_D+ PIN 1 USB3+5V IntA_P1_SSRXIntA_P1_SSRX+ GND IntA_P1_SSTXIntA_P1_SSTX+ GND IntA_P1_DIntA_P1_D+ GND H81M-CT USB3.0 Front panel connector The USB 3.0 module is purchased separately. 9. ASUS H81M-CT 1-17 Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB910, USB1112) These connectors are for USB-chargeable devices, optimized power efficiency, and backward...
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...motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to the HDD. • ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN) This 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 mode. H81M-CT... SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off H81M-CT Onboard LED ASUS H81M-CT 1-19 Ground HWRST# (NC) H81M-CT PIN 1 +HDD_LED RESET H81M-CT System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin ...
...motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to the HDD. • ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR_BTN) This 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 mode. H81M-CT... SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off H81M-CT Onboard LED ASUS H81M-CT 1-19 Ground HWRST# (NC) H81M-CT PIN 1 +HDD_LED RESET H81M-CT System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin ...
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... contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to install If Autorun is enabled in your ASUS motherboard. Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. To run the DVD. 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction Always install the latest OS ...updates to maximize the features of the Support DVD are subject to your hardware. Refer to change at www.asus.com for reference only. 1.9 Software support 1.9.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 7 (32bit/64bit) and Windows® 8 (32bit/64bit) Operating Systems (OS)....
... contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to install If Autorun is enabled in your ASUS motherboard. Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. To run the DVD. 1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction Always install the latest OS ...updates to maximize the features of the Support DVD are subject to your hardware. Refer to change at www.asus.com for reference only. 1.9 Software support 1.9.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 7 (32bit/64bit) and Windows® 8 (32bit/64bit) Operating Systems (OS)....
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... and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to automatically update your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. With this utlity, you need to restore the BIOS in case you can also... click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS H81M-CT 2-1 Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS EZ ...
... and select the BIOS from file Click to select a boot logo Click to automatically update your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in the future. With this utlity, you need to restore the BIOS in case you can also... click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS H81M-CT 2-1 Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS EZ ...
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...file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. The utility automatically checks the devices for reference only. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS settings. The succeeding utility screens are for the BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support DVD .... Do not save them on the USB flash drive. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). ASUS H81M-CT 2-3 Turn on a single partition. 2. The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. Doing so can cause system boot failure...
...file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. The utility automatically checks the devices for reference only. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS settings. The succeeding utility screens are for the BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support DVD .... Do not save them on the USB flash drive. Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional). ASUS H81M-CT 2-3 Turn on a single partition. 2. The system requires you press to load default BIOS values. Doing so can cause system boot failure...
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... If the system becomes unstable after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously. • Press the reset button on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.../Advanced Mode screen. 2-6 Chapter 2: Getting started 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to ensure system compatibility and stability. Do this motherboard. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. BIOS menu screen The BIOS setup program...
... If the system becomes unstable after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously. • Press the reset button on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at www.../Advanced Mode screen. 2-6 Chapter 2: Getting started 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to ensure system compatibility and stability. Do this motherboard. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to enter BIOS Setup using the BIOS Setup program. BIOS menu screen The BIOS setup program...