User Manual
Page 3
Contents Contents...iii Notices...vii Safety information viii About this guide ix P5Q3 specifications summary xi Chapter1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features 1-4 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features 1-7 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-2 2.2.2 Layout contents 2-3 2.2.3 Placement direction 2-4 2.2.4 Screw holes 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-5 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-5 2.3.2...
Contents Contents...iii Notices...vii Safety information viii About this guide ix P5Q3 specifications summary xi Chapter1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS unique features 1-4 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features 1-7 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Motherboard layout 2-2 2.2.2 Layout contents 2-3 2.2.3 Placement direction 2-4 2.2.4 Screw holes 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-5 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-5 2.3.2...
User Manual
Page 4
...shut down function 2-37 2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch 2-37 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 3-1 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility 3-1 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.1.3 AFUDOS utility 3-5 3.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-7 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-8 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen 3-9 3.2.2 Menu bar 3-9 3.2.3 Navigation keys 3-9 3.2.4 ...11 3.3.5 SATA 1-6 3-12 3.3.6 Storage Configuration 3-13 3.3.7 AHCI Configuration 3-14 3.3.8 System Information 3-15 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu 3-16 3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto 3-16 3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto 3-17 iv
...shut down function 2-37 2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch 2-37 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 3-1 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility 3-1 3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility 3-4 3.1.3 AFUDOS utility 3-5 3.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3-7 3.2 BIOS setup program 3-8 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen 3-9 3.2.2 Menu bar 3-9 3.2.3 Navigation keys 3-9 3.2.4 ...11 3.3.5 SATA 1-6 3-12 3.3.6 Storage Configuration 3-13 3.3.7 AHCI Configuration 3-14 3.3.8 System Information 3-15 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu 3-16 3.4.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto 3-16 3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto 3-17 iv
User Manual
Page 12
... Precision Tweaker 2: - PCI Express frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - vCPU PLL: 64-step CPU PLL voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - P5Q3 specifications summary IEEE 1394 USB ASUS Unique Features ASUS Stylish Features ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features VIA6308 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports Max. 12 USB2.0/1.1 ports(6 ports at mid...
... Precision Tweaker 2: - PCI Express frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - vCPU PLL: 64-step CPU PLL voltage control SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) - P5Q3 specifications summary IEEE 1394 USB ASUS Unique Features ASUS Stylish Features ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features VIA6308 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports Max. 12 USB2.0/1.1 ports(6 ports at mid...
User Manual
Page 20
... memory, chipset, drives and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - You can now talk to safeguard consumers' health while minimizing the impact on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS...'s Restriction on the environment. 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS Power Saving Solution ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and...
... memory, chipset, drives and system fan), the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - You can now talk to safeguard consumers' health while minimizing the impact on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS...'s Restriction on the environment. 1.3.2 ASUS unique features ASUS Power Saving Solution ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and...
User Manual
Page 21
... the overclocking capability. Fanless Design and Heat-pipe The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow from major thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS P5Q3 1-5 ASUS has...
... the overclocking capability. Fanless Design and Heat-pipe The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow from major thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS P5Q3 1-5 ASUS has...
User Manual
Page 23
... hotkey to the BIOS default settings in Windows environment without entering the OS. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS P5Q3 1-7 Update your system with customizable boot logos. 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in case the system hangs due to share and distribute their favorite settings...
... hotkey to the BIOS default settings in Windows environment without entering the OS. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. ASUS P5Q3 1-7 Update your system with customizable boot logos. 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in case the system hangs due to share and distribute their favorite settings...
User Manual
Page 37
ASUS P5Q3 2-11 Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a higher frequency, see section 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • The memory modules may require a better cooling system to work stably under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting. ...• The default memory operation frequency is recommended. • This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 256 Mb chips. • Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to install the memory module from the same vendor...
ASUS P5Q3 2-11 Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a higher frequency, see section 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment. • The memory modules may require a better cooling system to work stably under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting. ...• The default memory operation frequency is recommended. • This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 256 Mb chips. • Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to install the memory module from the same vendor...
User Manual
Page 40
...ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • The O.C. DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* AXH760UD10-16H V VV AXH860UD20-16H VV CM3X10241600C7DHXIN(XMP) VV BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) V V V F3-12800CL7D-2GBHZ V VV F3-12800CL7D-4GBPI VV KHX12800D3K2/4G VV OCZ3T1600XM2GK V VV OCZ3P1600EB4GK VV OCZ3X16004GK VV KHX13000D3LLK2/2G V VV KHX13000D3LLK2/ 2GX(XMP) V VV KHX13000D3LLK2/2G VV P5Q3 Motherboard...Dual-channel memory configuration. • It is not guaranteed. P5Q3 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability Size Vendor ...
...ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • The O.C. DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* AXH760UD10-16H V VV AXH860UD20-16H VV CM3X10241600C7DHXIN(XMP) VV BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) V V V F3-12800CL7D-2GBHZ V VV F3-12800CL7D-4GBPI VV KHX12800D3K2/4G VV OCZ3T1600XM2GK V VV OCZ3P1600EB4GK VV OCZ3X16004GK VV KHX13000D3LLK2/2G V VV KHX13000D3LLK2/ 2GX(XMP) V VV KHX13000D3LLK2/2G VV P5Q3 Motherboard...Dual-channel memory configuration. • It is not guaranteed. P5Q3 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability Size Vendor ...
User Manual
Page 45
... system. For system failure due to pins 2-3. You must turn ON the computer. 4. 2.6 Jumper 1. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery. •... CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. Plug the power cord and turn off is required prior using C.P.R. ASUS P5Q3 2-19 Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking.
... system. For system failure due to pins 2-3. You must turn ON the computer. 4. 2.6 Jumper 1. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery. •... CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. Plug the power cord and turn off is required prior using C.P.R. ASUS P5Q3 2-19 Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking.
User Manual
Page 75
... from one screen to select a field. ASUS P5Q3 3-9 Sub-menu items Navigation keys 3.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings...
... from one screen to select a field. ASUS P5Q3 3-9 Sub-menu items Navigation keys 3.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit For changing the basic system configuration For changing the overclocking settings For changing the advanced system settings...
User Manual
Page 82
...SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Performance Settings Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] FSB Strap to display the following items vary depending on the motherboard. The default values of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field ...values can cause the system to individually set overclocking parameters. When you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings ...
...SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Configure System Performance Settings Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] FSB Strap to display the following items vary depending on the motherboard. The default values of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field ...values can cause the system to individually set overclocking parameters. When you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings ...
User Manual
Page 83
... the BIOS. 3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] Allows you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual]. Use the and keys to the default setting. Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to the system bus and PCI bus. ASUS P5Q3 3-17 FSB Frequency [XXX] Displays the frequency sent by FSB Frequency...
... the BIOS. 3.4.2 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto] Allows you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual]. Use the and keys to the default setting. Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to the system bus and PCI bus. ASUS P5Q3 3-17 FSB Frequency [XXX] Displays the frequency sent by FSB Frequency...
User Manual
Page 85
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS P5Q3 3-19 2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6 The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items: READ to WRITE Delay(S/D) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] - [...] ALL PRE to REF Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] - [15 DRAM Clocks] 3.4.6 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto] Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS P5Q3 3-19 2nd Information: 8-3-5-4-6-4-6 The values vary depending on your settings of the following sub-items: READ to WRITE Delay(S/D) [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] - [...] ALL PRE to REF Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clocks] - [15 DRAM Clocks] 3.4.6 DRAM Static Read Control [Auto] Adjusting this item might enhance DRAM overclocking ability.
User Manual
Page 86
Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclock ability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto] Allows you to set the Ai Transaction Booster item to...] 3.4.8 DRAM Write Training [Auto] Allows you to set DRAM write data timing optimization. OC Charger Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. Setting this item to [Enabled] to 31. The values range from 1 to apply enhancement on the next page are adjusted by ...
Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclock ability. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.10 Ai Clock Twister [Auto] Allows you to set the Ai Transaction Booster item to...] 3.4.8 DRAM Write Training [Auto] Allows you to set DRAM write data timing optimization. OC Charger Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. Setting this item to [Enabled] to 31. The values range from 1 to apply enhancement on the next page are adjusted by ...
User Manual
Page 88
... select the CPU Load-Line mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.21 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] 3.4.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB... overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. The values range from 1.50V to 1.80V with a 0.10V interval. 3.4.20 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]...
... select the CPU Load-Line mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.21 CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto] Set to [Disabled] to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] 3.4.22 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto] Set to [Disabled] to enhance FSB... overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. The values range from 1.50V to 1.80V with a 0.10V interval. 3.4.20 Load-Line Calibration [Auto]...
User Manual
Page 116
...ASUS AI Suite is a multimedia technology that allows you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in Portable Document Format (PDF). The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is an innovative application to back up and restore your data easily. CyberLink® PowerBackup Installs CyberLink® PowerBackup to do overclocking...image editing software. Realtek® Diagnostics Utility Installs Realtek® Diagnostics Utility. ASUS Express Gate Installer Execute the ASUS Express Gate Installer. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support DirectX® improves the multimedia...
...ASUS AI Suite is a multimedia technology that allows you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in Portable Document Format (PDF). The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is an innovative application to back up and restore your data easily. CyberLink® PowerBackup Installs CyberLink® PowerBackup to do overclocking...image editing software. Realtek® Diagnostics Utility Installs Realtek® Diagnostics Utility. ASUS Express Gate Installer Execute the ASUS Express Gate Installer. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support DirectX® improves the multimedia...
User Manual
Page 140
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI Booster button on the taskbar allow you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. The options on the AI Suite main window. 4.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/ Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations. 4-28 Chapter 4: Software support
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI Booster button on the taskbar allow you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. The options on the AI Suite main window. 4.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/ Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations. 4-28 Chapter 4: Software support
User Manual
Page 144
... and two chassis fan speeds. • AI Nap Idle Time: Enters AI Nap mode after a certain time during system idle process. Configuration Turbo Mode options C P U Overclocking Frequency +1% to +30% vCore Voltage N/A Downgrade C h i p s e t N/A Voltage Downgrade T u r n O f f Never/After 3 hard disks mins-After 5 hours CPU Loadline N/A Fan Control N/A A I N a p Never/After 3 Idle Time mins-After...
... and two chassis fan speeds. • AI Nap Idle Time: Enters AI Nap mode after a certain time during system idle process. Configuration Turbo Mode options C P U Overclocking Frequency +1% to +30% vCore Voltage N/A Downgrade C h i p s e t N/A Voltage Downgrade T u r n O f f Never/After 3 hard disks mins-After 5 hours CPU Loadline N/A Fan Control N/A A I N a p Never/After 3 Idle Time mins-After...