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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...
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...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
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...: - vFSB Termination: 35-step reference voltage control - PCI Express frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at back panel) ASUS Power Saving Solution: - 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-board, 6 ports at 1MHz increment...
...: - vFSB Termination: 35-step reference voltage control - PCI Express frequency tuning from 200MHz up to 800MHz at back panel) ASUS Power Saving Solution: - 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-board, 6 ports at 1MHz increment...
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...automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details. 100% Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors This motherboard uses all Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors for components (which...your partners 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 Hazardous Substances (RoHS). ...
...automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking - See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details. 100% Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors This motherboard uses all Japan-made conductive polymer capacitors for components (which...your partners 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 Hazardous Substances (RoHS). ...
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... stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS 8-Phase Power Design Longer Life, & Higher Efficiency! The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made conductive polymer capacitors all add up the system and return to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS P5Q3 1-5 Fan Xpert "ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows...
... stable and enhances the overclocking capability. ASUS 8-Phase Power Design Longer Life, & Higher Efficiency! The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made conductive polymer capacitors all add up the system and return to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS P5Q3 1-5 Fan Xpert "ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows...
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... OS. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking configuration. Simply shut ...down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for details. Update your system with customizable boot logos. 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclocking. ASUS P5Q3...
... OS. Profile The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. eliminates the need to achieve the most precise setting for the ultimate customized overclocking configuration. Simply shut ...down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for details. Update your system with customizable boot logos. 1.3.3 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking Features AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclocking. ASUS P5Q3...
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...DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended. • This motherboard does not support memory modules made up to work stably under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting. To operate at the vendormarked or at a lower frequency than 3GB. Hence, a ...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 only recognize less than the vendor-marked value. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. ASUS P5Q3 2-11 ...
...DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended. • This motherboard does not support memory modules made up to work stably under full loading (4 DIMMs) or overclocking setting. To operate at the vendormarked or at a lower frequency than 3GB. Hence, a ...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 only recognize less than the vendor-marked value. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. ASUS P5Q3 2-11 ...
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Visit the ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • The O.C. P5Q3 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability Size Vendor Chip No. 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB Aeneon Aeneon CORSAIR 1024MB Crucial 2048MB(Kit of 2) G.SKILL 4096MB(Kit ...-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 Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz capability Size Vendor Chip No.
Visit the ASUS website for better overclocking capability. • The O.C. P5Q3 Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability Size Vendor Chip No. 1024MB 2048MB 1024MB Aeneon Aeneon CORSAIR 1024MB Crucial 2048MB(Kit of 2) G.SKILL 4096MB(Kit ...-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 Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz capability Size Vendor Chip No.
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...(3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before reboot the system. ASUS P5Q3 2-19 Move the jumper cap from pins ...1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Plug the power cord and turn off is required prior using C.P.R. ...
...(3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to overclocking. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before reboot the system. ASUS P5Q3 2-19 Move the jumper cap from pins ...1-2 (default) to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Plug the power cord and turn off is required prior using C.P.R. ...
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...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 For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot...desired item is highlighted. 3.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. ASUS P5Q3 3-9 Select Screen Select Item +- The navigation keys may differ from one screen to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to select items...
...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 For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot...desired item is highlighted. 3.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. ASUS P5Q3 3-9 Select Screen Select Item +- The navigation keys may differ from one screen to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to select items...
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...A2 Options Manual Auto Select Screen Select Item +- Allows you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings of CPU overclocking options to display the following items vary depending on the motherboard. 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to ...individually set overclocking parameters. Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and...
...A2 Options Manual Auto Select Screen Select Item +- Allows you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings of CPU overclocking options to display the following items vary depending on the motherboard. 3.4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to ...individually set overclocking parameters. Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and...
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...range from 200 to 800. Congifuration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] 3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] Allows you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual]. If this item is auto-detected by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Configuration options: [Auto] [06... adjust the PCIE frequency. Use the and keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the numeric keypad. ASUS P5Q3 3-17 The values range from 100 to 180. 3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto] When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be ...
...range from 200 to 800. Congifuration options: [Auto] [200 MHz] [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] 3.4.4 DRAM Frequency [Auto] Allows you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual]. If this item is auto-detected by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Configuration options: [Auto] [06... adjust the PCIE frequency. Use the and keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the numeric keypad. ASUS P5Q3 3-17 The values range from 100 to 180. 3.4.3 FSB Strap to North Bridge [Auto] When set to [Auto], the FSB Strap will be ...
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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.
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... the DRAM performance. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.9 MEM. Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Pull-In of phases is determined by typing the desired values using the keyboard and press the key. 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS ... Common Performance Level [05] Set this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. 3.4.7 DRAM Read Training [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. OC Charger Allows you to set DRAM read data timing optimization. Setting this...
... the DRAM performance. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 3.4.9 MEM. Setting this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. Pull-In of phases is determined by typing the desired values using the keyboard and press the key. 3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS ... Common Performance Level [05] Set this item to [Disabled] may help enhance DRAM overclocking ability. 3.4.7 DRAM Read Training [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the memory overclocking charger feature. OC Charger Allows you to set DRAM read data timing optimization. Setting this...
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...2.02V~2.20V N/A 1.92V~2.10V 1.42V~1.58V Red 2.22V~2.78V N/A 2.12V~2.78V 1.60V~2.20V 3.4.18 SB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. Proceed with caution. • Some values of the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM Voltage and NB... is [1.9V]. The values range from 1.50V to 1.80V with a 0.10V interval. 3.4.19 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-19 for details. • The system may damage the chipset, memory...
...2.02V~2.20V N/A 1.92V~2.10V 1.42V~1.58V Red 2.22V~2.78V N/A 2.12V~2.78V 1.60V~2.20V 3.4.18 SB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enhance FSB overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. Proceed with caution. • Some values of the CPU PLL Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, DRAM Voltage and NB... is [1.9V]. The values range from 1.50V to 1.80V with a 0.10V interval. 3.4.19 PCIE SATA Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enhance PCIE overclocking ability or [Auto] for EMI control. CPU / Northbridge overvoltage setting on page 2-19 for details. • The system may damage the chipset, memory...
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... your computer. Realtek® Diagnostics Utility Installs Realtek® Diagnostics Utility. Winzip 11 Installs the Winzip utility for updates. ASUS Express Gate Installer Execute the ASUS Express Gate Installer. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Adobe® Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader... Ulead® Burn.Now Installs the Ulead® Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. ASUS AI Suite The ASUS AI Suite is a multimedia technology that allows you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in...
... your computer. Realtek® Diagnostics Utility Installs Realtek® Diagnostics Utility. Winzip 11 Installs the Winzip utility for updates. ASUS Express Gate Installer Execute the ASUS Express Gate Installer. 4-4 Chapter 4: Software support Adobe® Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader... Ulead® Burn.Now Installs the Ulead® Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. ASUS AI Suite The ASUS AI Suite is a multimedia technology that allows you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in...
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The options on the AI Suite main window. 4.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. 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 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
The options on the AI Suite main window. 4.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. 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 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
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... 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...