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P9X79 PRO

1. LED1 LED2 Q Code table Description Not used Power on Reset type detection soft hard AP initialization before microcode loading System Agent initialization before microcode loading PCH initialization before microcode loading Microcode loading AP initialization after microcode loading System Agent initialization after microcode loading PCH initialization after microcode loading Cache initialization g Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes Microcode not found Microcode not loaded PEI Core is started _ Pre memory CPU initialization is started Pre memory System Agent initialization is started _Pre memory PCH initialization is started Memory initialization Reserved for ASL see ASL Status Codes section below Chapter 2 Hardware information Q Code table continued Description Memory Installed CPU post memory initialization Post Memory System Agent initialization is started Post Memory PCH initialization is started DXE IPL is started Memory initialization error Invalid memory type or incompatible memory speed ee Unspecified memory initialization error Memory not installed o Invalid CPU type or Speed CPU mismatch CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error CPU micro code is not found or micro code update is failed Internal C
2. y GY o LI O EPU e L Disable Enable ih Default P9X79 PRO EPU switc The EPU LED O2LED2 near the EPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable Refer to section 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the EPU LED If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment the EPU function will be activated after the next system bootup You may change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program and enable the EPU function at the same time However the system will use the last setting you have made 2 19 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs 1 Standby Power LEDs The Standby Power LEDs will light up once the system is connected to a power source JOR AO O DS SB_PWR P9X79 PRO ON OFF L CO mm o Standby Power Powered Off P9X79 PRO Onboard LED 2 Q LEDs The ID LEDs provide an elegant embellishment to the motherboard design
3. H L l E E O LL P9X79 PRO FA a a AM 2 oz Es 00 DEON EE Oo Esi E P9X79 PRO Digital audio connector V The S PDIF module is purchased separately Ps ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 31 2 32 CPU chassis and power fan connectors 4 pin CPU_FAN 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 Lo EE Q amp CPU FAN CPU OPT CHA FAN3 pees ca E CHA FAN IN pn SZA SZA CHA FAN PWR 5258 5220 GND z zZ zz gt ERE iors gt DOD DOD i T O oO oO 75 O O CHA FAN4 CHA_FAN1 CHA_FAN2 a 5V GND E a CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR lt E CHA FAN PWR CHA FAN IN Z E GND 5V LL O EET q MD OO 0710171 5 OOO F P9X79 PRO Fan connectors rrr N Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors Insufficient air flow inside the system may dama
4. AN For ensuring the system performance turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off Paja CEI D E OIG a Sa d JO een a q a L pe E 7505 p o a E TPU E E P9X79 PRO lt Disable Enable Dan 5 Default P9X79 PRO TPU switch The TPU LED O2LED1 near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned to Enable Refer to section 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the TPU LED If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment the TPU function will be activated after the next system bootup You may use the TurboV and Auto Tuning feature in the TurboV EVO application adjust the BIOS setup program or enable the TPU switch at the same time However the system will use the last setting you have made Chapter 2 Hardware information 6 EPU switch Turning this switch to Enable will automatically detect the current PC loadings and intelligently moderate the power consumption AN For ensuring the system performance turn the switch setting to Enable when the system is powered off J ERP CO ASUS P9X79 PRO O FERA
5. JRR SUS _ USB 5V USB_P12 USB_P12 GND NC USB 5V USB_P14 USB_P14 o A co no gt O USB 5V USB_P10 a ZO Oz GND NC P9X79 PRO USB1314 ussoro Fes JusB1112 E E PIN 1 L L LS dt GND GND GND USB 5V USB 5V E USB 5V USB_P9 USB_P9 USB_P11 USB_P11 USB_P13 USB_P13 EE a P9X79 PRO USB2 0 connectors AN N LA Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors Doing so will damage the motherboard You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q Connector USB blue first and then install the Q Connector USB to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports The USB 2 0 module is purchased separately Chapter 2 Hardware information 6 Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF_OUT This connector is for an additional Sony Philips Digital Interface S PDIF port s Connect the S PDIF Out module cable to this connector then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis BOE o i SPDIF_OUT
6. P9X79 PRO System panel connector 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 Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD System warning speaker 4 pin SPEAKER This 4 pin connector is for the chassis mounted system warning speaker The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings ATX power button soft off button 2 pin PWRSW This connector is for the system power button Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft off mode depending on the BIOS settings Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF Reset button 2 pin RESET This 2 pin connector is for the chassis mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 35 2 3 Building your computer system 2 3 1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system SATA optical disc drive optional Graphics card Z The tools and components in the table above are not included in the motherboard package a 2 36 Chapter 2 Hardwa
7. ooonconnocnnnnnnninnncononornnncorarnrnnos 3 45 3 10 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility cece eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeees 3 48 3 10 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility 3 49 3 10 4 ASUS BIOS Updater eres 3 50 Chapter 4 Software support 4 1 Installing an operating system sssusssnssunnunnunnunnnunnunnnunnnnnnunnnnnnnnnnnnnn nn 4 1 4 2 Support DVD information ssssssssssnsnnsnunnnnnunnnunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnna 4 1 4 2 1 Running the support DVD sue cscs assis iria res 4 1 4 2 2 Obtaining the software manuals 4 2 Contents 4 3 Software information csccsecssecssecseecssesseesseesseesseenseeseesseeeseeesaeesesseeeaes 4 3 4 3 1 SUE APPO e 4 3 4 3 2 A eee E ee ee rere eee 4 4 4 3 3 DIGH Power Controlan did 4 8 4 3 4 ERRO eens ares eee eee ee 4 10 4 3 5 PAN ADO pap ialto sebas 4 11 4 3 6 Sengr RECO ia 4 12 4 3 7 Probe l eee errr er ere MR T T 4 13 4 3 8 AEE O e A 4 14 4 3 9 USE SD BOOST anomia popa 4 15 43 10 ASUS SSD Cacao 4 16 4 3 11 ASUS UD nadia sae 4 17 4 3 11 MED Lao iaa 4 18 4 3 12 Audio configurations erra 4 20 4 4 RAID configurations secos aa annsan aasa 4 21 4 4 1 RAID GOENMMOMNS cansarse 4 21 44 2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks oooooonconnconicciccciccnocccacncanccnccnn nono 4 22 4 4 3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS 4 22 4 4 4 Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 4 22 4 4 5 Marvell RAID util
8. 1 3 1 3 3 ASUS Exclusive Features eee 1 4 1 3 4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution 1 5 1 3 5 ASUS EZD rs 1 6 1 3 6 Other special features oococoncccnocicoccnoccnnocncoonnnoonnconnnornnonnnnnn ninos 1 7 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 1 Before you proceed AA 2 1 2 2 Motherboard overvieW sssssssunssunsnnnnnnnnnnnnnnunnnunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nn 2 2 2 2 1 Motherboard cio bjo RR RR RR 2 2 2 2 2 Central Processing Unit CPU 2 4 2 2 3 System MEMO re ene 2 5 2 2 4 EXPANSION SO ee ee ee nee ee eee en eee 2 14 2 2 5 Onboard switches essa 2 16 2 2 6 Onboatd LEDS aes E E 2 20 2 2 1 Inter al CONMECIONS asus cado nites ccunanuisabecenscitsguelienactsusteneistaaces 2 26 2 3 Building your computer system sssssssnssunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnna 2 36 2 3 1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system 2 36 2 3 2 CPU instalation eiin iene a ai 2 37 2 3 3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation 2 39 2 3 4 DIMM installation c ccccccsscccsssceccsseeecssseessssesesscsseeessseeesseas 2 40 2 3 5 Motherboard installation serenas 2 41 2 3 6 ATX Power connection sereno 2 43 2 3 7 SATA device connection eee 2 44 2 3 8 Front WO CONECTOR assess Eb 2 45 2 3 9 Expansion Card installation eres 2 46 2 3 10 USB BIOS Flashback ssuuisneasssieimessiriosneio inertes ans 2 47 2 3 11 Rear panel connection ssisionaai tcs 2 48 2 3 1
9. AN Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or BIOS Updater utilities 3 10 1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage save and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment The ASUS Update utility allows you to Update the BIOS directly from the Internet Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file Save the current BIOS file View the BIOS version information This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package y ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider ISP Launching ASUS Update After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch ASUS Update by clicking Update gt ASUS Update on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Z Quit all Windows applications before you update the BIOS using this utility me ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 45 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 ss eR ie a you to avoid network traffic pata DIOS iroa trt If you want to enable the BIOS downgradable function and auto BIOS backup function check the checkbo
10. CPU VCA Volltise Offset Mode Sign CPU VECSA Offset Voltage DAAH voltage CHA CHE DAAH voltage CHC CHD LEU PLL Voltage WITCPU Voltage lv voltage PEH 1 54 Voltage WITDUR voltage AM CHE VITODR Voltage CHC CHL DRAM CAL REF Voltage on CHA aE E a E 5 E a o o o a a o a DAAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA ASUS P9X79 PRO DARA DATA REF DA A CIAL REF DAAH DATA R DAAH CTAL REF IRAH DAIA REF Voltage on CHL DANH CIAL REF voltage on CHI Scroll down to display the following items Voltage on CHA voltage on CHE voltage on CHA voltage on CHE DAM DATA REF Woltepe i DAAH Read REF Wo DAMA Read REF voltage on CHE DANA Redd REF Voltage on CHL CTI OT Auto CI o E J 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 Loads the optimal settings for the system Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters X M P If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile X M P Technology choose this item to set the profiles supported by your memory modules for optimizing the system performance Z The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner item to Manual BCLK Frequency XXX Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system perform
11. Chapter 3 BIOS setup CPU Fan Speed xxxx RPM or Ignore N A CPU OPT Fan 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 Disables the CPU Q Fan control feature Enabled Enables the CPU Q Fan control feature CPU Fan Speed Low Limit 600 RPM This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed Configuration options Ignore 200 RPM 300 RPM 400 RPM 500 RPM 600 RPM CPU Fan Profile Standard This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan Standard Sets to Standard to make the CPU fan automatically adjust depending on the CPU temperature Silent Sets to Silent to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation Turbo Sets to Turbo to achieve maximum CPU fan speed Manual Sets to Manual to assign detailed fan speed control parameters Z The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to Manual CPU Upper Temperature 70 Use the lt gt and lt gt
12. Q A N All original data of the two hard drives will be erased for Super Speed setup All original data of the SATA6G_E2 hard disk will be erased for EZ Backup setup Drive Xpert Device s List SATA 6G El Gray SATA 6G E2 Gra Press lt Enter gt to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors on the motherboard ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 43 9 gt pad ao er 4 3 44 3 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 Load Optimized Defaults Save Changes amp Reset Discard Changes amp 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 When you select this option or if you press lt F5 gt a confirmation window appears Select Yes to load the default values Save Changes amp Reset Once you are finished making your selections choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved When you select this option or if you press lt F10 gt a confirmation window appears Select Yes to save changes and exit Discard Changes amp Exit This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes When you select this o
13. 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 The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system Z To select the boot device during system startup press lt F8 gt when ASUS Logo appears Ma To access Windows OS in Safe Mode do any of the following Press lt F5 gt when ASUS Logo appears Press lt F8 gt after POST Boot Override These items displays the available devices The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system Click an item to start booting from the selected device 3 8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions Select an item then press lt Enter gt to display the submenu Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Be used to update BIOS gt ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility gt ASUS DRAM SPD Information gt ASUS O C Profile gt ASUS Drive Xpert 3 8 1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility When you press lt Enter gt a confirmation message appears Use the left right arrow key to select between Yes or No then press lt Enter gt to confirm your choice y Fo
14. Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHC Auto Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHC The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHC Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHC 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 CHD 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 CHD The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHA Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A B The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHB Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A B The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHC Auto Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel C D The
15. Unconfigured L PD 8 ST3160812AS Size 152626MB Feature Support MCQ 3G 48Bits Current Speed 3G Model ST3160812AS Serial 9LSOF4HL FW Version 3 3 AAE gt Help Use space bar to select the free disks to be used in the array ENTER Operation SPACE Select F10 Exit Save ESC Return 3 Press lt Space gt to select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array An asterisk appears in front of the selected hard drive After selecting all the drives needed for the RAID array press lt Enter gt to continue 4 26 Chapter 4 Software support Marvell BIOS Setup c 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd Configure gt Select free disksCreate Virtual Disk Virtual Disks Free Physical Disks Stripe Size 64KB PD O ST3160812AS Gigabyte Rounding 1G Name Default Help Virtual disk configurations 4 Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press lt Enter gt to configure further RAID settings RAID Level Select a RAID Level Configuration options RAID 0 RAID 1 Stripe Size Specifies the size of single data block on the virtual disk In general a larger stripe size is recommended for applications requiring large data transfers such as audio video and graphics A smaller stripe size is better for applications with content in much smaller size such as e mails and documents Configuration options 82K 64K Gigabyte Rounding In the event of a single physical disk fai
16. PCle x16_3 at x8 mode 2 x PCI Express 2 0 x1 slots This motherboard is ready to support PCle 3 0 SPEC Function will be available when using PCle 3 0 compliant devices Please refer to www asus com for updated details Supports NVIDIA 3 Way SLI Technology Supports AMD Quad GPU CrossFirex Technology Intel X79 Express Chipset 2x SATA 6Gb s ports with RAID 0 1 5 10 support 4x SATA 3Gb s ports with RAID 0 1 5 10 support Marvell 9128 SATA controllers 2x SATA 6Gb s ports ASMedia 1061 SATA controllers 2x Power eSATA 6Gb s ports Intel 82579V Gigabit LAN controller Bluetooth v2 1 EDR ASUS BT GO Utility Realtek ALC898 8 channel High Definition Audio CODEC Supports 192khz 24bit True BD Lossless Sound DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC II DTS Connect Supports Jack Detection Multi Streaming and Front Panel Jack Retasking Optical S PDIF Out port at back I O ASMedia USB 3 0 controllers 2x USB 3 0 2 0 ports at mid board for front panel support 4x USB 3 0 2 0 ports at back panel with 1 x additional VIA SuperSpeed USB hub controller blue Intel X79 Express Chipset 12x USB 2 0 1 1 ports 6 ports at mid board 6 ports at back panel continued on the next page P9X79 PRO specifications summary ASUS unique features ASUS Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI Power Control CPU Pow
17. enter the RAID volume capacity that you want and press lt Enter gt The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity 8 When the Create Volume item is selected press lt Enter gt The following warning message appears Are you sure you want to create this volume Y N 9 Press lt Y gt to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu or lt N gt to go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu O O ES F D o gt 4 24 Chapter 4 Software support 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 lt Enter gt The following screen appears DELETE VOLUME MENU Drives Capacity Status Bootable HELP Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non RAID ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED This does not apply to Recovery volumes 2 Use the up down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete and then press lt Del gt The following warning message appears _ ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST A Press lt Y gt to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu or press lt N gt to return to the DELETE VOLUME menu Exiting the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To exit the utility Le From the utility main menu select 5 Exit and then press lt Enter gt
18. keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature The values range from 20 C to 75 C CPU Fan Max Duty Cycle 100 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle The values range from 0 to 100 The minimum value can not lower than the setting of Min duty cycle CPU Lower Temperature 20 Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature CPU Fan Min Duty Cycle 20 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle The values range from 0 to 100 When the CPU temperature is under 40 C the CPU fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle 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 ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 37 3 38 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 Configuration options Ignore 200 RPM 300 RPM 400 RPM 500 RPM 600 RPM Chassis 1 2 3 4 Fan Profile Standard This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan Standard Sets to Standard to make the chassis fan automatically adjust depending on the chassis temperature Silent Sets to Silent to minimize the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operat
19. 1 Clock Delay 2 Clock Delay 3 Clock Delay 4 Clock Delay 5 Clock Delay 6 Clock Delay 7 Clock Chapter 3 BIOS setup DRAM RTL CHD DO R1 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 CHD DO R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHD D1 RO 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 CHD D1 RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHD D1 R1 Auto Configuration options Auto Advance 14 Clock Advance 12 Cloc
20. 7 806 LOS NA S0 200Z L ZEA L 806 LOE NA 0 00Z Z 0 6A LLS LOE NA O 800Z L T LA Z Obvb 00 NA S0 8002 L PLA L Obb 00 NA 01 900Z 1 Z LA 8Z 00 NA MOOOOOOOOOO SAHISIG 31 18 Y 93 9 6661 2006 0C05S NA 8003 00019 NA 00 7V 100 1V 8661 7c0SS NA RRO WOOOOWOOOOO 9002 7V 002 LV L00z eL0Sss Na O 6002 2V 9002 2 00019 NI Xl 00Z 1W 900Z 2Z06S NI Xx SAWISJIQ DINI D3 801 P007 S9AIJ99 11p BUIMO OJ BY JO sjuauwaJmbal jeu ss ou UIM ULOJUOD Odd 62X6d SURU 9poiN pieoqisyjoW aweU JONPOIg snjeledde Hulmojjo ay aiejoap ANVINHIO jgunos NIONLLVA 0880r EZ LZ Y1S LHONAVH AID SSOIPPV Haw HILNdINOO SNSV redoing ul Sanejuasaldo pezuouyny NVMIVL A1juno9 DOU NVMIVL ZL 1 I3dIW1 NOLIAd AH 31 17 081 ON A19 SSoJppy ONI YILAAINO9 A9LSNSV ABINJOeJNUe GIA EL ora oda Eney gUJOJUOS jo UO poubisiopun ou ap yesejD9q 93 TT0Z 97 sny 9A OINJVUBIS JUSPISSId SULLO 9Ad S OWEN S UOSIdg dAeUNSoIdayY uo eJodo paJisopun asneo Lew yey 990919319301 SUrpn our P9AI9I9J vuar Aue da09e asnu Ap sI Z pue souaJajIojur njuey osneo jou eur dIAOp SHL T suonipuoo OM SUIMOTIO ou 0 joafqns st uonelado sam DOA M Jo Ss Wed qm sarduos IMAP SYL 40 B801 103u rejuauo ddns sI10JeIpey euonusju q uedang gq meg 90d OF sxoyerpey euonu
21. CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation However the fan will soeed up when the temperature exceeds 70 C User Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations Z Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 11 4 3 6 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 Al Suite Il from the motherboard support DVD launch Sensor Recorder by clicking Tool gt Sensor Recorder on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Using Sensor Recorder Click on Voltage Temperature Fan Speed tabs for the status you want to monitor Colored lines will automatically appear on the diagram to indicate the immediate changes in the system status Using History Record 1 Click on the History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Type Date Record Interval and Record Duration according to need 2 Colored lines will then appear on the diagram to indicate the changes in the requested status of the given time 3 Click on Recording to record the history changes f Sensor Recorde Z Click on Monitor gt Sensor on the Al Suite Il main
22. Clock Delay 14 Clock DRAM IOL CHC D1 RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHC D1 R1 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 CHC D1 R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHD DO RO 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 CHD DO RO Auto Configuration options Auto Advance 7 Clock Advance 6 Clock Advance 5 Clock Advance 4 Clock Advance 3 Clock Advance 2 Clock Advance 1 Clock Normal Delay
23. DRAM_LED CPU_LED VGA_LED gt Ea P9X79 PRO HT HZ O ms R BOOT DEVICE LED Eh EL Sn o P9X79 PRO CPU DRAM BOOT_DEVICE VGA LED 2 20 Chapter 2 Hardware information 3 TPU LED The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable HBBE O ia lala Ea P9X79 PRO co E C Dm as a Girr gt 02LED2 P9X79 PRO TPU LED Z The TPU LED O2LED2 near the TPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned Ea to Enable Refer to section 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the TPU LED If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment the TPU function will be activated after the next system bootup You may use the TurboV and Auto Tuning feature in the TurboV EVO application adjust the BIOS setup program or enable the
24. RSATA TXP1 RSATA TXP2 RSATA RXN1 RSATA TXN1 RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND GND GND P9X79 PRO SATA6G_E1 SATA6G_E2 L EM im OO AC O mm P9X79 PRO Marvell SATA 6 0 Gb s connectors aN The SATA6G_E1 E2 grey connectors are for data drives only ATAPI device is not supported You must install Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives When using NCQ set the Marvell Storage Controller item in the BIOS to Enabled Refer to section 3 5 6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details Press lt Ctrl gt lt M gt during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create or delete a RAID configuration If you want to install a Windows operating system to a RAID configuration created using the Marvell SATA controller you have to create a RAID driver disk using the motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation For 32 64bit Windows XP OS load first the Marvell shared library driver and then load Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver For Windows Vista Windows 7 OS load only the Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver Chapter 2 Hardware information 4 USB 3 0 connector 20 1 pin USB3_56 This connector is for the additional USB 3 0
25. SATA controllers from the motherboard support DVD Refer to section 3 5 6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details Bluetooth module LED indications Status Description Off No link Blue Linked Blinking Data activity LAN ports LED indications Activity Link LED Speed LED ACT LINK SPEED LED LED OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection LAN port Audio 2 4 6 or 8 channel configuration 4 channel 6 channel 8 channel Light Blue Line In LineIn Line In Line In Lime Line Qut Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange Center Subwoofer Center Subwoofer Black Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray Side Speaker Out ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 49 2 3 12 Audio I O connections Audio I O ports orange light blue black lime gray pink INPUTS Chapter 2 Hardware information Connect to 4 1 channel Speakers AUDIO AUDIO INPUTS INPUTS U m Connect to 5 1 channel Speakers AUDIO AUDIO AUDIO INPUTS INPUTS INPUTS OOO Rear Front Center Subwoofer O O Connect to 7 1 channel Speakers A AUDIO INPUTS O Rr Side Center Subwoofer 000 o O U G When the DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC II function is enabled ensure to connect the rear speake
26. Using MyLogo Select the way you would like to do update your boot logo Then click Next and follow the given instructions Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard 1 Under Current BIOS click Browse and choose the desired image for your boot logo Then click on Next Chapter 4 Software support Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image Then click Next Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo a gt So 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 At BIOS File Browse to download the requested BIOS file to your system This utility will help you detect the compatibility of the BIOS version 2 Then at Picture File Browse to select the desired image for boot logo Click Next Follow steps 2 5 in Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard to complete logo update Z The fullscreen logo application in BIOS utility must be enabled for MyLogo to take effect A ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 19 4 3 12 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
27. 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 AN The values of the CPU VCORE VCCSA Voltage CPU VCORE VCCSA Manual Voltage DRAM Voltage CPU PLL Voltage VTTCPU Voltage and PCH 1 1V 1 5V Voltage items are labeled in different color indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings Refer to the table below for details The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings VTTDDR Voltage CHA CHB Auto Allows you to set the CHA CHB VTTDDR voltage The values range from 0 6250V to 1 10V with a 0 00625V interval VTTDDR Voltage CHC CHD Auto Allows you to set the CHC CHD VTTDDR voltage The values range from 0 6250V to 1 10V with a 0 00625V interval DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA Auto Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA The values range from 0 3950V to 0 6300V with a 0 005V interval Chapter 3 BIOS setup DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA Auto Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB Auto
28. accessible through the exclusive user friendly ASUS interface MemOK MemOK quickly ensures memory boot compatibility This remarkable memory rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues MemOK determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your system boot success Al Suite II With its user friendly interface ASUS Al Suite II consolidates all exclusive ASUS features into one simple to use package with an elegant design theme It allows users to supervise overclocking energy management fan speeds voltage and sensor readings This all in one software offers diverse and easy to use functions with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities USB 3 0 Boost New ASUS USB 3 0 Boost technology supports UASP USB Attached SCSI Protocol the latest USB 3 0 standard With USB 3 0 Boost USB device transmission speed is significantly increased by up to 170 adding to an already impressively fast USB 3 0 transfer speed USB 3 0 Boost provides a user friendly graphical interface which instantly accelerates the transfer speeds for USB 3 0 peripherals with exclusive ASUS device auto detect settings Chapter 1 Product Introduction PCle 3 0 Ready The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice the performance of current PCle 2 0 Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a maximum of 32GB s double the 16GB s of PCle 2 0 in x16 mode PCle 3 0 provides users unprecedented
29. beep followed by three No VGA detected short beeps One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure short beeps 7 At power on hold down the lt Delete gt key to enter the BIOS Setup Follow the instructions in Chapter 3 2 5 Turning off the computer While the system is ON pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode or soft off mode depending on the BIOS setting Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft off mode regardless of the BIOS setting 2 52 Chapter 2 Hardware information 3 1 Knowing BIOS The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Unified 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 _ BIOS Basic Input and Output System stores system hardware settings such as storage device configuration overclocking settings advanced power management and boot device configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS In normal circumstances the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance We recommend that you not change the default BIOS se
30. boosts audio quality through high and low frequency equalization With these technologies users experience better home theater audio with ease DTS Connect To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels DTS Connect combines two enabling technologies DTS Neo PC upmixes stereo sources CDs MP3s WMAs internet radio into as many as 7 1 channels of incredible surround sound Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system DTS Interactive is capable of performing multi channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers and sending encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection such as S PDIF or HDMI designed to deliver audio to an external decoder ErP Ready The motherboard is European Union s Energy related Products ErP ready and ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to energy consumptions This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment friendly and energy efficient products through product design and innovation to reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts ASUS P9X79 PRO 1 8 Chapter 1 Product Introduction 2 1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings AN Unplug the power cord from the wall socket befo
31. data speeds combined with the convenicnce and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCle 1 0 and PCle 2 0 devices It is a must have feature PC users aiming to improve and optimize graphics performance as well as have the latest most future proof technology This motherboard is ready to support PCle 3 0 SPEC Functions will be available when using PCle 3 0 compliant devices Please refer to www asus com for updated details 1 3 4 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Fanless Design Heat pipe solution The stylish heatsink offers OdB cooling for a quiet PC environment Attractive design enhances the look of the board and case while temperatures in the chipset and power phase areas stay lower through high efficiency heat exchange Combining usability and aesthetics the stylish ASUS heatsink gives users an extremely silent and cool experience with elegant design DO NOT uninstall the heat pipe by yourself Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance ASUS Fan Xpert Hardware level ASUS Fan Xpert allows users to independently adjust both CPU and case fan speeds with multiple dedicated controllers based on different ambient temperatures climate conditions and system loads Built in profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool computing environment Power eSATA 6Gb s ready Powered eSATA 6Gb s combines data and power connectivity Us
32. fields and use the lt Up Down Home End gt keys to select the BIOS file and press lt Enter gt BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file and prompts you to confirm BIOS update Are you sure to update BIOS Select Yes and press lt Enter gt When BIOS update is done press lt ESC gt to exit BIOS Updater Restart your computer failure For BIOS Updater version 1 04 or later the utility automatically exits to the DOS AN DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot 3 52 prompt after updating BIOS Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu See Chaper 3 of your motherboard user manual for details Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them Chapter 3 BIOS setup Chapter 4 4 1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows XP 64 bit XP Vista 64 bit Vista 7 64 bit 7 operating systems OS Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware Motherboard settings and hardware options vary Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information E Ensure that you install the Windows XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before installing the
33. includes the Realtek proprietary UAJ Universal Audio Jack technology for all audio ports eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek Audio Driver from the support DVD that came with the motherboard package If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed you will find the Realtek HD Audio Manager icon on the taskbar Double click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager A Realtek HD Audio Manager with DTS UltraPC Il for Windows 7 Vista Configuration option tabs vary with the audio devices connected Device advanced settings Exit button Information button Minimize button Control settings Set default device buttons Connector settings Analog and digital connector status B Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP Configuration Exit button options Minimize button Environment Aucd oriur ST He eee Equalizer Control settings window Information button Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration SA Chapter 4 Software support 4 4 RAID configurations The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions Intel Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0 RAID 1 RAID 10 and RAID 5 support Mavell RAID utility with RAID 0 and RAID 1 support AN You must install Windows XP Service Pack
34. menu bar and a highlight of the system statuses will appear on the right panel Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 7 Probe Il Probe ll 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 Il After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch Probe II by clicking Tool gt Probe Il on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Configuring Probe Il Click the Voltage Temperature Fan Speed tabs to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values The Preference tab allows you to customize the time interval of sensor alerts or change the temperature unit Taara Saves your configuration Loads your saved Loads the default Applies your configuration threshold values changes for each sensor Z Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 13 4 14 4 3 8 BT GO ASUS BT GO includes seven special functions so users can sync and transfer files between PC and mobile devices and even use them as a remote control to play music and other contents on PC Launching BT GO After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch
35. off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer To stop memory tuning turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5 10 seconds If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking press the MemOK switch to boot and load BIOS default settings A messgae will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www asus com after using the MemOK function ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 17 2 18 Clear RTC RAM switch To erase the RTC RAM 1 Press down the CLR CMOS switch 2 Hold down the lt Del gt key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re enter data ESE LF L i pe a O P9X79 PRO pe CLR CMOS Dm l L Dim poa Gi P9X79 PRO CLR_CMO 5 TPU switch Turning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast yet stable clock speeds
36. ports and complies with the USB 3 0 specificaton that supports up to 480 Mbps 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 Eco J ONO pe 7au Vbus O Vbus IntA_P1_SSRX IntA_P2_SSRX Ina P1_SSRX E IntA_P2_SSRX E POX79PRO GND a P1_SSTX IntA_P2_SSTX ne P1_SSTX A IntA P2 SSTX A GND ne P1_D E IntA P2 D It P1_De 15 gos a IntA P2 D E y A P9X79 PRO USB3 0 connector aN You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3 0 box to this connector to obtain the front panel USB 3 0 solution ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 30 5 USB 2 0 connectors 10 1 pin USB1112 USB1314 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
37. previous item to AHCI Mode It s allow user to enabled disabled SATA Hot Plug Support Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 30 Chapter 3 BIOS setup SATA3G_5 Blue Hot Plug Disabled This item appear only when you set the previous item to AHCI Model It s allow user to enabled disabled 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 Model It s allow user to enabled disabled SATA Hot Plug Support Configuration options Disabled Enabled Cc Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced SATA Configuration gt 1 IDE Mode 2 AHCI Mode 3 RAID Mode SATA Mode IDE Mode Serial ATA Controller O Enabled Serial ATA Controller 1 Enabled S M A R T Status Check Enabled Z The following two items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to IDE Mode e Serial ATA Controller 0 Enabled Allows you to enabled disabled the Serial ATA Controller 0 Configuration options Disabled Enabled Compatible Serial ATA Controller 1 Enabled Allows you to enabled disabled the Serial ATA Controller 1 Configuration options Disabled Enabled S M A R T Status Check Enabled S M A R T Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology is a monitor system When read write of your hard disk errors occur this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during th
38. sending a request to ASUSTeK Computer Inc Legal Compliance Dept 15 Li Te Rd Beitou Taipei 112 Taiwan In your request please provide the name model number and version as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary object code This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notification to the email address gp Wasus com stating the product and describing the problem please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address Contents CONTA Sra iii NOMICES E E E E E E T E E E vi A SA vii PRD OUTS QUIN GG a simiccaccandc tidad vill P9X79 PRO specifications SUMMAary sssssssssunsunnnsnnnnunnunnnunnunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn nnne X Chapter 1 Product introduction 1 1 WEICOME sc E E A dicas 1 1 1 2 Package COnt ntS sssaaa aesa rE Ean 1 1 1 3 Special TECATE cri aii 1 2 1 3 1 Product highlights rea 1 2 1 3 2 Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI Power Control
39. the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD When using NCQ set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to AHCI Mode Refer to section 3 5 4 SATA Configuration for details 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 vA IRST driver note for OS installation Windows XP 32 bit Intel IRST driver for X79 platform will NOT support Windows XP 32 bit Please set to IDE Mode for OS installation 64 bit When SATA Mode is set to AHCI Mode RAID Model it is necessary to load IRST Driver from driver disk during OS Windows XP 64 bit installation for the system to detect the storage devices For details please refer to the section 4 5 Create a RAID driver disk Windows 7 amp Vista When SATA Mode is set to RAID Mode you must load IRST Driver during Windows 7 or Vista installation for the system to detect the Optical Disk Drive the ODD should be connected to the Intel SATA ports or else the ODD will not run We strongly recommend you save the IRST Driver from SCD to the USB Flash Drive before OS installation 2 26 Chapter 2 Hardware information 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 Seria
40. thermal environment Visit the NVIDIA zone website http www nzone com for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list 5 2 2 Installing two SLI ready graphics cards AN The following pictures are for reference only The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models but the installation steps remain the same 1 Prepare two SLl ready graphics cards 2 Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi graphics card installation 3 Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots 5 4 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support 4 Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card Ensure that the connector is firmly in place 5 Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately 6 Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card wn U 4 O E em Q Goldfingers 5 2 3 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers AN Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website www nvidia com 5 2 4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technolog
41. to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you installed EPU e Select From the Last Reset to show the total CO2 that has been reduced since you click the Clear button MEE Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration Chapter 4 Software support 4 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 Launching FAN Xpert After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch FAN Xpert by clicking Tool gt FAN Xpert on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Using FAN Xpert Click Fan Name to select a fan and then click Setting to select a preset mode for your selected fan Click to select a fan type Click to select a fan profile Click to apply the settings Click to discard the settings Fan setting Disable disables the FAN Xpert function Standard adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern Silent minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation Turbo maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect Intelligent automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient temperature Stable fixes the
42. 0C9QC XMP 16GB 4x4GB os f fo o 9 28 io o o ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 9 P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1600 MHz capability continued Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS Brand 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM AA E CS E BT KINGSTON erricoocaorarzaxmmpifecs tacos fo _ KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1 o ET 3x we DS 1 65 12GX XMP KINGSTON axisoocomaramarm mesmas fos _ res e A A eo E Se CA E O KINGSTON kaxrooocenarzoxome ace x268 fos Joe rss TT KINGSTON Ra T 2x 208 DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 4GX XMP ES fep E ee E E ER E E TEE E O KINGSTON krxieooconskeacxamer ace x268 fos JJ pe ff KINGSTON KAxi600CeDexiKe4G esq fos JJ es ff KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3X2K2 rot 2x2GB DS 1 65 4GX XMP KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3 6GX XMP 668 sx268 ps p Jo jo po po KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3 6GX XMP sas sx268 ps j p Jo jo Pp KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1 rol lt a 3x 208 DS 1 65 6GX XMP KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3 6GB 3x 2GB 6GX XMP KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3T1K3 6GB 3x2GB DS 6GX XMP ieee fs CA CAMS oe oe O GS CE A E E E cz foczacrecowveck __foas ex2cay fos _ fees pos cz foczaxreoo veckawr omnes fos _ fesse pos To cz foczaxrsoo veckxwp Jomexzos fos _ fees fis To SuperTalent WPisouxacexMe facere fos _ fp SuperTalent werom fese Jos _ Te E E SuperTalent werom ecse fo
43. 2 Audio I O CONNECtIONS oooncccinccnncccoocnnooncoocnnoonnnonononnnnnrnnonnnnnoss 2 50 Contents 2 4 Starting up for the first tiMe ccecceseseseeeeeeseeeeeeeeeeseeeneesenessaenenenseeneens 2 52 2 5 Turning Off the COMPUTEL c csscseeeseeeesteeesneeseeeeeneeseeeseneeseeeenneeseaeees 2 52 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 1 Knowing BIOS A tat tspesneeabexaraeeteersioens 3 1 3 2 BIOS setup program cccccccccccncnoncconnncnn cnn crm rra rra rara 3 1 3 2 1 ELMO ia 3 2 3 2 2 Advanced Mode errar 3 3 3 3 Main MONO acacia Ea ADD DRE DDS ARE ES CR ean 3 5 3 4 Ai Tweaker Me Uinscicnniiio iii 3 7 3 4 1 DRAM Timing Controlado noes 3 10 3 4 2 DIGI Power Control eee 3 19 3 4 2 CPU Performance Settings 3 22 3 5 Advanced PMAAPP o A 3 26 3 5 1 CPU Configurati r sin am 3 27 3 5 2 CPU Power Management ConfiguratiON oooooconinncicnincnnmmm lt 3 28 3 5 3 POR COn ri 3 29 3 5 4 SATA COMGQUI ALON aaa 3 29 3 5 4 USB Comiquera 3 32 3 5 6 Onboard Devices ConfiguratON oooociconinnnninnccnoncconcnrncannnannnnos 3 33 3 5 6 IA sp 3 35 3 6 Montor MENU cscs rta 3 36 3 7 BOO Me Union 3 39 3 8 TOUS MENU scsi 3 40 3 8 1 ASUSITEZ Flasi2 Dl 3 40 3 8 2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information ooococncciccincccoccnocanonanancnnncnnnnnos 3 41 3 8 3 ASUS DO Promesa atolada doida cd 3 42 3 8 4 ASUS Drive XPE ereer A a 3 43 3 9 A A 3 44 3 10 Updating DIOS asas esa cect a pen Sd tase aa 3 45 3 10 1 ASUS Update utility
44. 2 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 CHC DO RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 15 3 16 DRAM RTL CHC DO R1 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 CHC DO R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHC D1 RO 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
45. 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 A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk only If you want to install a Windows operating system to a hard disk drive included in a RAID set you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS installation Refer to section 4 5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details 4 4 1 RAID definitions RAID 0 Data striping optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel interleaved stacks Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate double that of a single disk alone thus improving data access and storage Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup RAID 1 Data mirroring copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive If one drive fails the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup The new drive must be of the same size or larger than th
46. 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 DO R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHA D1 RO 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 D1 RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHA D1 R1 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 Dela
47. BIOS using EZ Flash 2 1 Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port 2 Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press lt Enter gt to enable it ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V00 75 Flash Info MODEL P9X79 PRO VER 0220 DATE 08 09 2011 fsO Drive Folder Info 79 ON 08 05 10 10 23p 4194304 P9X79D ROM fs1 d File Infor MODEL Help Info Enter Select or Load Tab Switch Up Down PageUp PageDown Home End Move Esc Exit F2 Backup 3 Press lt Tab gt to switch to the Drive field 4 Press the Up Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS and then press lt Enter gt Press lt Tab gt to switch to the Folder Info field 6 Press the Up Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file and then press lt Enter gt to perform the BIOS update process Reboot the system when the update process is done Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 AN 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 3 9 Exit Menu for details 3 10 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree B
48. BT GO by clicking Tool gt BT GO on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Using BT GO Device list Function list Lights up when the function is enabled Click to show the corresponding setting panel on the right side e Click on E and to scroll the device list and the function list e Click on any of the device icons to select the device as the connected BT device and BT GO will automatically search for the supported functions for the selected device e Click any of the device function icons to connect the selected device and enable disable the selected function Function introduction Shot amp Send allows you to snap and transfer the screenshot to the connected BT device BT Transfer allows you to share the files stored in the host BT device to another connected BT devices Folder Sync allows you to sync or back up the selected folder between the selected BT devices and the computer Personal Manager allows you to synchronize the personal contacts and calendar information between the BT device and the system BT to Net allows the system to access the Internet via the network shared by the Bluetooth device Music Player allows you to play the selected music files in the BT device through the computer s speakers BT Turbo Remote provides a user friendly interface that allows you to use your smartphone as the remote controller via the bluetooth connection for the BT Turbo Key Pocket Media and Reset Off fu
49. Best in class power efficiency and stability Two critical components work perfectly together to match digital power signal SVID requests from the CPU with ultra fast sensing and response to efficiently deliver the right level of power on demand Accurate power reduces wasteful imprecision and provides more stable CPU Vcore voltages Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range With programmable digital controllers onboard users can adjust CPU and DRAM PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking scenarios with accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface System performance can also be customized with specific CPU and DRAM power controls including new VCCSA load line calibration for increased voltage range greater VCCSA current capability and up to 30 more capacitance This proprietary design with its precise yet flexible power adjustments increases overclocking headroom to push performance to its full potential 8 2 Phase Power Design To fully unleash the latest Intel Sandy Bridge E CPU s potential this motherboard has adopted a brand new digital 8 phase VRM power design It delivers high power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability Furthermore high quality power components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan This motherboard also features an extra 2 phase power dedicated to integrated memory controller ASUS SSD Caching SSD caching from ASUS is
50. Chapter 2 Hardware information N In single VGA card mode use the PCle 3 0 x16_1 slot navy blue for a PCI Express X16 graphics card to get better performance In CrossFireX or SLI mode use the PCle 3 0 x16_1 and PCle 3 0 x16_4 slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance In 3 way SLI mode use the PCle 3 0 x16_1 PCle 3 0 x16_2 and PCle 3 0 x16_4 slots for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running CrossFirex or SLI mode Refer to page 2 31 for details Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment See page 2 30 for details IRQ assignments for this motherboard Intel PCH SATA Controller 0 SMBUS Controller On Chip USB 1 On Chip USB 2 PCIE x16_1 PCIE x1_1 ASM 1042 USB3 0 1 shared shared shared shared ASM 1042 USB3 0 2 shared ASM 1061 E SATA shared Intel 82579V LAN HD Audio Marvell 9128 Hardware RAID Controller PCIE x16 2 shared PCIE x16 3 shared PCIE x16 4 shared PCIE x 1_2 shared shared ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 15 2 2 5 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine tune performance when working on a bare or open case system This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance 1 Power
51. DDR3 Dual Inline Memory Modules DIMM slots 0 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 z oN oN Nr N i T lt p29 22b 199 E B SSH Z5 Ta ER 3 O08 HOQ OOF joao LA E q Ly T e O Er KI E P9X79 PRO Ca Di 00 ID so P9X79 PRO 240 pin DDR3 DIMM socket Recommended memory configurations ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 5 2 6 Memory configurations You may install 1GB 2GB 4GB and 8GB unbuffered ECC and non ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets AN 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 higher sized channel is then mapped for single channel operation Due to CPU behavior DDR3 2200 2000 1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133 1866 1600 MHz frequency as defaul
52. DDR3 2400MHz Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable If this happens revert to the default setting EPU Power Saving MODE Disabled Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function Configuration options Disabled Enabled EPU Setting Auto This items appears only when you set EPU Power saving MODE to Enabled Configuration options Auto Light Power Saving Mode Medium Power Saving Mode Max Power Saving Mode OC Tuner OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for enhancing the system performance Configuration options OK Cancel ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 9 3 10 3 4 1 DRAM Timing Control The sub items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value To restore the default setting type auto using the keyboard and press the lt Enter gt key Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable If this happens revert to the default settings Me AL Tweaker 4244 Tinie to gt is Feit bat ES Laid So 343 to 2434 32134 2954232 Ti 3434 427 Tite aC CWE RI Bh be Geet yn Go eek yee be fa t gt 24515 Tita ATTE 22210273 Tim E PA do ots Tae 2112 WT ATN Tim ASITE to 3552 a2la4 de Le dA A d u L L e w v u u v Anita atay Scroll down to display the following items TRADR tRADD HAGE T
53. Disabled Disables this function Enabled Enables the C1E support function This item should be enabled in order to enable the Enhanced Halt State CPU C3 Report Auto Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS CPU C6 Report Auto Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS CPU C7 Report Auto Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to OS 3 5 3 PCH Configuration Ce Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced PCH Configuration gt Enabled Disabled the High Precision Event Timer High Precision Timer Enabled High Precision Timer Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer Configuration options Disabled Enabled 3 5 4 SATA Configuration While entering Setup the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices The SATA Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port C Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced SATA Configuration gt 1 IDE Mode 2 AHCI Mode 3 RAID Mode SATA Mode AHCI Mode S M A R T Status Check Enabled Hot Plug Disabled Hot Plug Disabled Hot Plug Disabled Hot Plug Disabled Hot Plug Disabled Hot Plug Disabled ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 29 SATA Mode AHCI Mode Allows you to set the SATA configuration Disabled Disables the SATA function IDE Mode Set to IDE Mode when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical s
54. E WITHOUT NOTICE AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners benefit without intent to infringe Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License GPL and under the Lesser General Public License Version LGPL The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty Copies of these licenses are included in this product You may obtain the complete corresponding source code as defined in the GPL for the GPL Software and or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software with the complete machine readable work that uses the Library for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product including the GPL Software and or LGPL Software which will be no earlier than December 1 2011 either 1 for free by downloading it from http support asus com download or 2 for the cost of reproduction and shipment which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to by
55. EQsBG 9 tf Apacer__ 78 BtGDE 9Li0c___ 4GB_ DS Apacer___ AMsDsgosceHsBG f9 il ppp pp If 2GB 24 Gi see p gt pete pp XMP 4GB 24 ll 2GB ee E pee EE XMP ELPIDA EBJIOUESBDFO DJF 1GB ss JELPIDA J1108BDSE DJ F A EI ELPIDA EBJ2oUFSBCFO DIF 2GB ss Elpida__ u21i088csE DJF_ ph 1 ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDFO DJ F_ 268 JDSJELPIDA usossose DJE po 1 To il ind Tl a ida GR A A A 2GB 24 all E E O XMP 2GB 21 pg y E pi XMP 2GB 24 E S a 200 0 IE 4GB 24 ll la 200 200 SI 4GB 24 ps esp eE pp 4GB 24 GEIL GET316GB1333C9QC 16G6B DS 9 9 9 1 5 4x 24 4GB GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB 2x DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA o 9 9 1 3 2GB 115FW 24 GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB 2x DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA 9 9 9 11 3 2GB 15B 24 GEIL GVP34GB1333C9DC 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 11 5 2GB 24 GEIL GB34GB1333C7DC 4GB 2x DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA 7 7 7 41 5 2GB 15FW 24 GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB 2x DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA 9 9 9 11 3 2GB 12N 24 GEIL GVP38GB1333C9DC 8GB 2x DS 9 9 9 11 5 4GB 24 Hynix HMT112U6TFR8A H9 iG6B_ ss Hynix HsrcicestER__ Hynix hMr32sUCBFRSC HO 26B ss uynx___ HsrozceseeR__ Hynix Hmtizsuesrrec H9_ 2GB__ DS Hynix HeTQiGssBFRHIC fo Hynix emtizsueTersa Ho 2G8B_ os Hynx__ HsrciaestER__ po Ea E ace CS fo fp ff T FLFE85F C8KL9 KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF DXX 15A KINGMAX FLFE85F C8KM9 Kingmax KFC8FNMXF BXX 15A KIN
56. Enter gt key ms CPU VCORE Boot Up Voltage Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt 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 Configuration options Auto Regular High Extreme Z The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM specification ma J Do not remove the thermal module The thermal conditions should be monitored VCCSA Current Capability 100 Configuration options 100 110 120 130 CPU VCCSA Boot Up Voltage Auto Configuration options Auto Manual CPU Voltage Frequency Auto Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and component thermal Setting a higher frequency gets faster transient response Auto Allows you to enable or disable the Spread Spectrum item Manual Allows you to manually set the frequency with a 10k Hz interval CPU Spread Spectrum Disabled Configuration options Disabled Enabled Chapter 3 BIOS setup CPU Power Duty Control T Probe T Probe Maintains the VRM thermal balance Extreme Maintains the VRM current balance CPU Power Phase Control Auto Phase number is the number of woorking VRM phase Increasing phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient an
57. G icron icron DS Q W i g nm GB 3 x Q LE WW op D Nm 98 88 OC OC OC OC OC OC S S S S ololo o V D D D OjO O 2 2Z 2 2 i D 0 Ww Z Z Z Z Z Z C C jp Q U AMSUNG AMSUNG AMSUNG AMSUNG uu foug fos Q wo AlAIA A YES ES ES W w MNI Oe iow OIIO elo jojo o AJS BSS BS DID HD Ke2 ais E O T co AMSUNG AMSUNG AMSUNG AMSUNG ranscend 585541 566577 574206 Q Ww A SN Ww No o oo A O O Q Ww A SN Ww Po Q o oo A O o gt i 00 gt ZIMMA Maa T gt gt gt gt gt Nm o a 4 fe mo fr Q TO G CD77 C9LGK ynix ES E EEE o E E B B B icron ranscend JM1333KLN 4G 583782 4GB 2G 2G 2G Transcend TS512MLK64V3N 4G 585598 4G 4G ranscend icron ynix ep 928 KOPE un DIO JOJO O JO O OJOJO OJO O IO U iw DIO op op N NIOJOJO OO N NIN O N iw 0 g g g ep nm njnjn o ln ininin n n n n un un NIM wm nm AMIMI aM Jno nm m wn wn wn Li 389889 574831 CTICA CTICA CTICA CTICA CTICA CTICA CTICA CTICA TP TP UFFALO UFFALO lixir lixir M2F2G64CB88D7N CG lixir M2F2G64CB88G7N CG B B B icron B i AMSUNG MSUNG cron AMSUNG icron AMSUNG ECC ix nix C AMSUNG ECC AMSUNG K4B2G0846C ECC E ES o EE pida 1108BFBG DJ F E EE E OJO Q w W gt 9 AILITIA OIA ALA E mi E
58. GMAX FLFE85F B8KL9 2GB DS KINGMAX KFB8FNLXL BNF 15A KINGMAX FLFF65F C8KL9 4GB DS KINGMAX KFC8FNLXF DXX 15A KINGMAX FLFF65F C8KM9 4GB DS Kingmax KFC8FNMXF BXX 15A KINGSTON kvR133303N9 G____ 1G8__ SS Elpida__ Jtt0aBDseE Du F lo hs bho bk bo KINGSTON KVR1333D3S8N9 2G_ 2 B ss Micron iFD77DeLGKk___ hs bo bo KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9 2G_ 2GB_ DS Kingston DizesJPNDPLDOU Jo 45 lt a ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 11 P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333 MHz capability continued Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6DIMM 8 DIMM E Sl a a A XMP 2GB isc ad dl a inl E a 2GB Ep de lO ES ES Zz ro a O z A 2 D do de de iw o Z co A N E o A A Z OQ o O z A INGSTON KVR1333D3E9S 4G_ 4GB Ds Elpida u2to8 cSE DJF fo 15 MT4JTF12864AZ 1G4D1 1GB ss Micron pega h p MICRON__ MT8JTF25664A2 1G401 2G8__ ss Micron fporek bh EA 2 ss Micron___ peiek_______ _ po op i 09 op Iss_ micRon foars LL pp tro fo MICRON Micron baiek_______ _ tp ft tb Rr Me TI 0CZ3G1333LV4GK 4GB 2x 1 65 2GB cto O a al E AA OCZ3G1333LV8GK 8GB 2x 4GB si 5 eer a a A E GB PSC IASPIGF3FGF LA lt o dt O SC IASPIGF3FGF_ LL o e li T AMSUNG K4B1Gos46E o doo beo dd J MSUNG eo obbo bo b b MSUNG Lo b b MSUNG Lp MSUNG MSUNG MSUNG MSUN
59. GX XMP 6GB 3x DS 1 65 2GB Kingston KHX2000C9AD3W1K3 6GX XMP 6GB 3x DS 2GB OCZ3B2000LV6GK 6GB 3 x DS 7 8 7 2GB TX2000KLN 8GK 388375 XMP 46B Jos pea persona cepa hos jsp pp fis 1 65 AEXEA ETT 4GB 2x i 2GB Grge Fusso eas fos JJ feas Patriot PX7312G2000ELK XMP 12GB os ae 9 27 1 65 3x mA e Prr P Patriot PVT36G2000LLK XMP 6GB 3 x 8 8 8 24 2GB E CCAA CN ESA Son ov E CE T3D1288LT 20 9 9 9 24 T3D1288RT 20 9 9 9 24 Chapter 2 Hardware information P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1800 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Chip Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS Brand NO 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM Fe 144000L9D4GBRLAMP aGB2xaca fos esr fie KHX1800C9D3T1K3 6GX XMP 6GB 3x2cB Ds_ o les o Jo o o P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1600 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Chip Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS Brand NO 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM aonta axaureooxcecraxmp ao ss fesszsfrors ATA _faxaureooecacaxP faes fos sim po EE DATA Jaxcurecorcacanna ace Jos essa psan gt CORSAIA_ xaxraGr6oocexwP fi2aB t208 os oen ps E CORSAIR oMZieGxamaarsooconMe 1608 2468 Jos eeen ps E Corsa Jomasexamzarcodos us m Jos Jesus Corsa JomD4GxawaB1e00ca___ aaB 2x208 Jos fessa hs Corsa
60. HAD ERROR TANDO LHHDE tHEDD LHASA E theo GRAH RTL CHA DO Pi CRAM T Chapter 3 BIOS setup Scroll down to display the following items AL Tutaker 1249 Tinig maten gt 343 3 Caos 343 31 gt 2259191 AL Tutaker 1244 Tinite WIT 243 31 33 41 V1 21 243 31 1 Chapter 3 0031223 lraiaias 2154 21901224 Traini 343 1237221 1 319115 212 31140234 Trading 540 Jats 3 214 July 32132 343 Jity 3 GIH Daly 321352 311 LN ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 12 Scroll down to display the following items 12394 4 Paris 211319223 Isai9193 214 0301224 Trainin 343 2193892245 Ieainins 0210 230224 Teadudiis 34 431 Jaty 32052 214 434 July 323152 243 451 J3t 32932 212 454 Taly 3521352 043 Primary Timings DRAM CAS Latency Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 3 to 15 with 1 interval DRAM RAS to CAS Delay Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval DRAM RAS PRE Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval DRAM RAS ACT Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 40 with 1 interval DRAM COMMAND Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 1 to 3 w
61. I BIOS Utility Advanced Mode GE Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor 192dey MB Temperature CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan 1 Speed Chassis Fan 2 Speed Chassis Fan 3 Speed Chassis Fan 4 Speed CPU Q Fan Control CPU Fan Speed Low Limit CPU Fan Profile Chassis 1 Q Fan Control Chassis 1 Fan Speed Low Limit Chassis 1 Fan Profile Enabled 600 RPM Standard Enabled 600 RPM Standard gt lt Select Screen 1 Select Item Enter Select Change Opt General Help Previous Values Shortcut Optimized Defaults ASUS Ratio Boost Fio Save ESC Exit F12 Print Screen Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc Scroll down to display the following items Chassis 2 Q Fan Control Chassis 2 Fan Speed Low Limit Chassis 2 Fan Profile Chassis 3 Q Fan Control Chassis 3 Fan Speed Low Limit Chassis 3 Fan Profile Chassis 4 Q Fan Control Chassis 4 Fan Speed Low Limit Chassis 4 Fan Profile CPU Voltage 3 3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage Anti Surge Support Enabled 600 RPM Standard Enabled 600 RPM Standard Enabled 600 RPM Standard Enabled Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc CPU Temperature MB Temperature xxx C xxx F The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard temperatures Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures
62. IOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file AN The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published on the ASUS official website If you want to use the newer BIOS file download the file at support asus com and save itto a USB flash drive Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS 1 2 Turn on the system Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive containing the BIOS file to the USB port The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file When found the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting To ensure system compatibility and stability we recommend that you press lt F5 gt to load default BIOS values AN DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS Doing so can cause system boot failure ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 49 3 50 3 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 y The succeeding utility screens are
63. Insert the two graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots If your motherboard has more than two PCIEX16 slots refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi graphics card installation 4 Align and firmly insert the CrossFireX bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card Ensure that the connector is firmly in place goldfingers CrossFireX bridge bundled with graphics cards 5 Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately 6 Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card 5 2 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support 5 1 4 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers AN Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website www amd com 5 1 5 Enabling the AMD CrossFireX szem technology After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers enable the CrossFireX feature through the AMD Catalyst Control Center in Windows environment Launching the AMD VISION Engine Control Center To launch the AMD VISION Engine Control Center 1 Right click on the Windows desktop and select ae AMD VISION Engine Control Center You can uae also right click the AMD icon in the Windows noti
64. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 25 2 2 7 Internal connectors 1 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 If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives you can create a RAID O 1 5 and 10 configuration with the Intel Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel X79 chipset RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_TXN2 GND GND GND GND GND i l P9X79 PRO SATA6G 1 SATA6G 2 O Um o0 SOI a P9X79 PRO Intel SATA 6 0 Gb s connectors DD 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 4 RAID configurations or
65. Jomasexamzarcodos es m2cs Jos leses CORSA ouxacxmenoocanme saB 2x268 os Jfesezfios consa Jombscxamzarecocaoe aeaee os Jfesezfios CORSAIR oMGaGxaweareoocroxwP faasee os reo res CORSA Jomxecxamearccocaoe faasee os feeen pes CORSA Jomeecxamarccoceooe ss 2x28 os fessa ps E CORSA Jomeecxamaarccoceooe ses arzas os essas CORSAIR oMNeGxaMacreo0c7 eM es m268 os rero res E Corsa eric _ _ saB ax2ce os fessa ps CORSA Jomeacxamarcoocaoae eos xaa Jos Jesszfios CORSAIR oMZaGxaMaareooceXMP ess zas os fessa ps CORSAIR oMZaGxaeareoocaXMP ecB 2x4c8 Jos fees fis E To Crucial JaLreeesanieoa arr Me ESTATE ss _ eseas Crucial _Javzsscepnieoa 6rFOwP 268 Jos fessa ps SKILL o 12e000170 r6GBXHORN ros taaa Jos rera fis E G SKILL resoocisa recem Me 1608 2468 Jos essas TT sr rosocirosceecommpj sx208 Jos fera sk _ ro 2e00cLap GBRMawP acsee os fesemfo E SKILL Fo 126000L90 4GBECOKMP faase xecs os feeen ras SKILL Fo ze00cL7D ecBRHOCMe feas xaa Jos frarmafis E o ask _ ro 2e00cLeD eGBRLKWP ecb arras Jos fees fis esk rs 12soocLoo sassazoae ess 2x4c8 Jos feeen pa E seu revonnslanacsenopar o aum Jos Tosa GEIL GET316GB160
66. N CG f fe fp te Silicon Power sPootGBLTU 1333801 1GB_ ss Nanya nTscBIZeMBANCG tt fp Silicon Power sPootGBLTU133502__ 16B_ ss s Power_fioyrses de bo ft Silicon Power sPoo2GBLTE133501___ 2GB_ bs nanya _ NTscBizeMeAN cG fp Silicon Power sPoozGBLTU133502___ 2GB_ os s Power_foyrseo lo___ bo bo Team____ TXD31024M1338C7 XMP iG6B_ ss Team___ TsD128eLT13 7 7272e1f175 A O A O AO fe Lt Team _1TAD32046M 139807 DUMP 2AB DS Tem propies preraste Lo o Team__ rxD32048M133307 D XMP 2G8B__ Ds Team rabi2eeitia_ 77 721 115164 a na Side s SS Single sided DS Double sided DIMM support 2 DIMMs Supports two 2 modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual channel memory configuration We suggest that you install the modules into slots B1 and D1 for better compatibility 4DIMMs Supports four 4 modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as two pairs of Dual channel memory configuration We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1 B1 C1 D1 for better compatibility 6 DIMMs Supports six 6 modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as three pairs of Triple channel memory configuration We suggest that you install the modules into slots A1 B1 B2 C1 D1 D2 for better compatibility 8 DIMMs Supports eight 8 modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as four pairs of Quad channel memory configur
67. NGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3W1K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3X2K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2133C9AD3T1FK4 8GX XMP 8GB 4x DS 1 65 2GB 2GB ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 7 P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2000 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS 2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM DATA AXsU2000GB2G9B KMP age fos fota27rfissarrsloo A DATA__ axsUzoo0ccaGoB XMP es osf fomes Apacer 78 AAGD5 9KD XMP 6GB 3 x DS 9 9 9 27 2GB CORSAIR CMT6GX3M3A2000C8 XMP 6GB 3x DS 8 9 8 24 1 65 2GB G SKILL F3 16000CL9D 4GBRH XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 2GB G SKILL F3 16000CL9D 4GBTD XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 2GB G SKILL F3 16000CL9T 6GBPS XMP 6GB 3x DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 2GB GEIL GUP34GB2000C9DC XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 28 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3 3GX XMP 3GB 3x SS 1 65 1GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K2 4GX XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3 6GX XMP 6GB 3x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3T1K3 6GX XMP 6GB 3x DS 1 65 2GB KINGSTON KHX2000C9AD3W1K3 6
68. Other Programs E Adobe Reader 8 1 8 Internet Explorer Y Paint Windows Media Player Windows Picture and Fax Viewer CA WordPad Type a description that you want to use For this kind of file C Always use the selected program to open this kind of file If the program you want is not in the list or on your computer you can look for the appropriate program on the Web 8 Find the Hardwarelds scsi iaAHCl_DesktopWorkstationServer and Hardwarelds 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 amp PID_xxxx usbstor Hardwarelds scsi iaAHCI DesktopWorkstationServer id PCI VEN 8086 amp DEV 1C02 amp CC 0106 iaStor id USB VID 03EE amp PID 6901 usbstor HardwareIds scsi iaStor DesktopWorkstationServer id PCI VEN 8086 amp DEV 2822 amp CC 0104 iaStor id USB VID 03EE amp PID 6901 usbstor AN Add the same line to both sections V The VID and PID vary with different vendors me 10 Save and exit the file ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 33 O gt O ES pote D o Ja 4 34 Chapter 4 Software support 5 1 AMD CrossFireX technology ses The motherboard supports the AMD CrossFirex technology that allows you to install multi graphics processing units GPU gr
69. PU error Reset PPI is not available Reserved for future AMI error codes ee S3 Resume is stared S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL S3 Boot Script execution Video repost OS S3 wake vector call f Reserved for future AMI progress codes S3 Resume Failed S3 Resume PPI not Found S3 Resume Boot Script Error S3 OS Wake Error Reserved for future AMI error codes o Recovery condition triggered by firmware Auto recovery Recovery condition triggered by user Forced recovery Recovery process started Recovery firmware image is found Recovery firmware image is loaded Reserved for future AMI progress codes Recovery PPI is not available Recovery capsule is not found Invalid recovery capsule Reserved for future AMI error codes DXE Core is started Installation of the PCH Runtime Services ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 23 Q Code table continued Description CPU DXE initialization is started PCI host bridge initialization l System Agent DXE initialization is started System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started System Agent DXE initialization System Agent module specific PCH DXE initi
70. PueoquaugoN P9X 9 E6738 First Edition V1 August 2011 Copyright 2011 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 Product warranty or service will not be extended if 1 the product is repaired modified or altered unless such repair modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS or 2 the serial number of the product is defaced or missing ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS ITS DIRECTORS OFFICERS EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS LOSS OF BUSINESS LOSS OF USE OR DATA INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIM
71. SB 2 0 The P9X79 PRO affords greater convenience to high speed connectivity Extra SATA 6 0 Gb s Support The Intel X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next generation Serial ATA SATA interface delivering up to 6 0 Gb s data transfer ASUS provides extra SATA 6 0 Gb s ports with enhanced scalability faster data retrieval and double the bandwidth of current bus systems Chapter 1 Product Introduction 1 3 2 Dual Intelligent Processors 3 with New DIGI Power Control The world s first Dual Intelligent Processors from ASUS pioneered twin onboard chips TPU TurboV Processing Unit and EPU Energy Processing Unit Third generation Dual Intelligent Processors with New DIGI Power Control include two digital voltage regulator modules VRMs An all new digital controller now allows ultra precise DRAM tuning in addition to CPU voltage control This evolution of innovative and industry leading ASUS technology provides super accurate voltage tuning for better efficiency stability and performance New DIGI Power Control All New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM ASUS X79 motherboards include New DIGI Power Control with two digital voltage regulator modules VRMs including an all new DRAM controller that allows ultra precise memory tuning in addition to CPU voltage control This evolution of innovative industry leading ASUS technology provides super accurate voltages for better efficiency stability and performance
72. T MemOkK ASUS Mm A O Mm A Mm Mm E Nm P9X79 PRO c o O Om oo E an Sum P9X79 PRO MemOK switch aN Refer to section 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the DRAM_LED The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK function The MemOK switch does not function under Windows OS environment During the tuning process the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings If the test fails the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases indicating different test processes Due to memory tuning requirement the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process the DRAM_LED lights continuously Replace the DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL Qualified Vendors Lists in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www asus com If you turn
73. TPU switch at the same time However the system will use the last setting you have made 4 EPU LED The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable T LT m A i d L O P9X79 PRO ad a a a E Dm oo Eme O2LED3 P9X79 PRO EPU LED Z The EPU LED O2LED3 near the EPU switch lights when the switch setting is turned ia to Enable Refer to section 2 2 6 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the EPU LED If you change the switch setting to Enable under the OS environment the EPU function will be activated after the next system bootup You may change the EPU settings in the software application or BIOS setup program and enable the EPU function at the same time However the system will use the last setting you have made ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 21 2 22 5 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 Hooy O J E o a E i Sil l S m OSNON
74. The following warning message appears lbs 2 Press lt Y gt to exit or press lt N gt to return to the utility main menu ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 25 4 4 5 Marvell RAID utility The onboard Marvell SATA 6 0 Gb s controller allows you to create a RAID O or RAID 1 array using two SATA hard disk drives Refer to Chapter 2 of your motherboard user manual for the exact location of the Marvell SATA 6 0 Gb s connector To enter the Marvell utility press lt Ctrl gt lt M gt during POST AN All exisiting data on the hard disk drives will be erased when creating or deleting a RAID ME array Ensure that you have back up all your data in your hard disk drives before making any change to the drive status Marvell BIOS Setup c 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd Topology Information Vendor ID 1B4B Virtual Disks Device ID a 9130 Free Physical Disks Revision ID B1 PD 0 ST3160812AS BIOS Version 1 0 0 1028 PD 8 ST3160812AS Firmware Version 2 2 0 1105 PCIe Speed Rate 5 0Gbps Configure SATA as AHCI Mode Help Marvell RAID on chip controller ENTER Operation F10 Exit Save ESC Return Create a RAID Array 1 Move the selection bar to HBA 0 Marvell 0 and press lt Enter gt 2 Select Configuration Wizard and press lt Enter gt Marvell BIOS Setup c 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd Configure gt Select free disks Port ID 0 Virtual Disks PD ID ao Free Physical Disks Type SATA PD Status
75. US C P R CPU Parameter Recall Back panel I O ports 1 x Bluetooth module 1 x Optical S PDIF Out port 1 x LAN Ru 45 port 2 x Power eSATA 6G ports 4 x USB 3 0 2 0 ports blue 6 x USB 2 0 1 1 ports 1 x USB BIOS Flashback button 8 channel Audio I O ports Internal I O connectors 1 x USB 3 0 2 0 connector supports additional 2 USB ports 19 pin 3 x USB 2 0 1 1 connectors support additional 6 USB ports 4 x SATA 6Gb s connectors 4 x SATA 3Gb s connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 4 pin 1 x CPU Optional Fan connector 4 pin 4 x Chassis Fan connectors 4 pin 1 x Front panel audio connector AAFP 1 x S PDIF Out header 1 x Clear CMOS button 1 x 24 pin EATX Power connector 1 x 8 pin EATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel Q Connector 1 x MemOK button 1 x EPU switch 1 x TPU switch 1 x Power button 1 x Reset button BIOS features 64 Mb Flash ROM UEFI BIOS PnP DMI 2 0 WfM 2 0 SM BIOS 2 6 ACPI 2 0a Multi language BIOS ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 Manageability WIM 2 0 DMI 2 0 WOL by PME WOR by PME PXE Support DVD contents Drivers ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti virus software OEM version Form factor ATX form factor 12 in x 9 6 in 30 5 cm x 24 4 cm Specifications are subject to change without notice xii 1 1 Welcome Thank you for buying an ASUS P9X79 PRO mot
76. USA 30 Dereon If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer browse the contents of the support DVD to Ze locate the file ASSETUP EXE from the BIN folder Double click the ASSETUP EXE to run the DVD ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 1 4 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 J Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files 1 Click on the Manual tab Click on ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide from the manual list on the left 2 The Manual folder of the support Mn aae DVD appears Double click the mens tosa folder of your selected software ber Jeria ij mae poa ce T de mam de aaa de aas de ktit End E 3 Some software manuals are E provided in different languages geme hs A Double click the language to lt i gs e aa ed het show the software manual SE apra om PP pr hs de dle Laa meam Bii de MA apa gt pag i tra O O ES eb ec o Ja VA The screenshots in this section are for reference only The actual software manuals containing in the support DVD vary by models E 4 2 Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation View the online hel
77. _56 SATA3G 34SATA6G 12 PCIEX1_1 E a VGA_LED QA E PCIEX16_2 E P9X79 PRO Intel D X79 o 20 PCIEX16_3 E an PCIEX16_4 E ALC898 ii cE 9128 BOOT DEVICE LED ES PCIEX1 2 Dono E E SPDIF_OUT O2LED3 USB910 USB1112 USB1314 CLR_CMOS E 5 a DHOO 8 ERR o el eS GSEs Ess Gls O2LED2 a PANEL pon ELE ETE CHA_FAN2 W Us UM Du qu 13 DU WD UY AN Refer to 2 2 7 Internal connectors and 2 3 10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors 2 2 Chapter 2 Hardware information Layout contents Connectors Jumpers Slots DDR3 DIMM slots ATX power connectors 24 pin EATXPWR 8 pin EATX12V LGA2011 CPU socket CPU chassis and power fan connectors 4 pin CPU_FAN 4 pin CPU_OPT_FAN 4 pin CHA_FAN1 2 3 4 MemOK switch USB 3 0 connector 20 1 pin USB3_56 Intel X79 Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA6G_1 2 gray Intel X79 Serial ATA 3 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA3G_3 6 blue Marvell Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA6G_E1 E2 gray System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL TPU switch Clear CMOS switch USB 2 0 connectors 10 1 pin USB910 USB1112 USB1314 EPU switch Reset switch Power on switch Front panel audio connector 10 1 pin AAFP Digital audio connector 4 1 pin SPDIF_OUT Q Code LED LED1 LED2 ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 3 2 4 2 2 2 Central Processing Unit CPU The motherboard c
78. able or disable the OptionRom of the ASM1061 storage controller Configuration options Disabled Enabled Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 6 APM C Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Back Advanced APM gt Restore AC Power Loss Power Off Specify what state to go to when power is re applied after a power Power On By PCIE PCI Disabled failure G3 state Power On By RTC Disabled ErP Ready Disabled Restore AC Power Loss Power Off Power On The system goes into on state after an AC power loss Power Off The system goes into off state after an AC power loss Last State The system goes into either off or on state whatever the system state was before the AC power loss Power On By PCIE PCI Disabled Disabled Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Enabled Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event Power On By RTC Disabled Disabled Disables RTC to generate a wake event Enabled When set to Enabled the items RTC Alarm Date Days and Hour Minute Second will become user configurable with set values ErP Ready Disabled This item allows user to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP requirement When set to Enabled all other PME options will be switched off Configuration options Disabled Enabled ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 35 3 6 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature power status and allows you to change the fan settings CASS UEF
79. alization is started PCH DXE SMM initialization is started PCH devices initialization PCH DXE Initialization PCH module specific ACPI module initialization CSM initialization Reserved for future AMI DXE codes Boot Device Selection BDS phase is started Driver connecting is started PCI Bus initialization is started PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization PCI Bus Enumeration PCI Bus Request Resources PCI Bus Assign Resources Console Output devices connect Console input devices connect Super IO Initialization USB initialization is started USB Reset USB Detect USB Enable Reserved for future AMI codes IDE initialization is started IDE Reset IDE Detect IDE Enable SCSI initialization is started SCSI Reset SCSI Detect SCSI Enable Setup Verifying Password Start of Setup Reserved for ASL see ASL Status Codes section below Setup Input Wait 2 24 Chapter 2 Hardware information Q Code table contin
80. ance Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value You can also key in the desired value using the numeric keypad The values range from 80 0MHz to 300 0MHz CPU Strap Auto Configuration options Auto 100MHz 125MHz 166MHz 250MHz ClockGen Full Reset Enabled Enabled Enabled for better overclocking Disabled To skip system shutdown at BCLK frequency adjustment 3 8 Chapter 3 BIOS setup Turbo Ratio Auto Allows you to manually adjust the Trubo 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 By All Cores can Adjust in OS Auto Full unlocked CPU All number of active cores will be set to one single Turbo Ratio in OS Partial unlocked CPU Maximum supported Turbo Ratio will depend on numbers of active cores Turbo Ratio will for all cores active will be always with lower core frequency than that for one core actives The setting for this item is for single core actives CPU CLOCKGEN FILTER Auto Configuration options Auto Enabled Disabled Memory Frequency Auto Forces a DDR3 frequency slower than the common tCK detected via SPD Configuration options Auto DDR3 800MHz DDR3 1066MHz DDR3_1333MHz DDR3 1600MHz DDR3 1866MHz DDR3 2133MHz
81. ance 1 Clock Normal Delay 1 Clock Delay 2 Clock Delay 3 Clock Delay 4 Clock Delay 5 Clock Delay 6 Clock Delay 7 Clock DRAM RTL CHB D1 RO 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 CHB D1 RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHB D1 R1 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 CHB D1 R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHC DO RO Auto Configuration options Auto Advance 14 Clock Advance 1
82. aphics cards Follow the installation procedures in this section 5 1 1 Requirements In Dual CrossFireX mode you should have two identical CrossFireX ready graphics cards or one CrossFireX ready dual GPU graphics card that are AMD certified Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the AMD CrossFireX technology Download the latest driver from the AMD website www amd com AN We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal environment Visit the AMD Game website http game amd com for the latest certified graphics card and the supported 3D application list 5 1 2 Before you begin For AMD CrossFireX to work properly you have to uninstall all existing graphics card drivers before installing AMD CrossFireX graphics cards to your system To uninstall existing graphics card drivers 1 Close all current applications 2 For Windows XP go to Control Panel gt Add Remove Programs For Windows Vista go to Control Panel gt Programs and Features 3 Select your current graphics card driver s For Windows XP select Add Remove For Windows Vista select Uninstall 5 Turn off your computer ASUS P9X79 PRO 5 1 5 1 3 Installing two CrossFireX eorex graphics cards aN The following pictures are for reference only The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models but the installation steps remain the same 1 Prepare two CrossFireX ready graphics cards 2
83. atibility in file format If this is the case please restart the system to turn off the light 3 Updating BIOS may have risks If the BIOS program is damaged during the process causing the system unable to reboot please contact the local service station for help ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 47 2 3 11 Rear panel connection Rear panel connectors 1 Intel LAN RJ 45 port USB3 0 ports 1 and 2 2 Power eSATA 6G port Optical S PDIF Out port 3 Bluetooth module USB 3 0 ports 3 and 4 4 USB 2 0 ports 1 2 3 and 4 USB 2 0 ports 5 and 6 5 BIOS Flashback switch 10 Audio I O ports and Refer to the tables on the next page for bluetooth module LED LAN port LED and audio port definitions 2 48 Chapter 2 Hardware information aN Press the Clear CMOS switch to clear BIOS setup information only when the system hangs due to overclocking DO NOT insert a different connector to the Power eSATA 6G port 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 If you want to use the hot plug function of the external SATA ports you have to set the ASMedia 1061 SATA controllers item in the BIOS setting to Enabled and install the ASMedia 1061
84. ation AN When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more Windows 32 bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB Hence a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect SPD which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module Under the default state some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor marked value AN ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs Load the X M P or D O C P settings in the BIOS for the hyper DIMM support Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 13 2 2 4 Expansion slots Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components K P9X79 PRO EJ LI E L Ds 00 eme oe Slot No Slot Description PCle 3 0 x16_1 slot single at x16 PCle20x11slot PCle 3 0 x16_2 slot triple at x16 x8 x8 mode PCle 3 0 x1 63 slot at x8 mode PCle 3 0 x16_4 slot dual at x1 6 x16 mode PCle 2 0 x1_2 slot PCI Express operating mode VGA configuration x16 SITE Cde Recommend for single VGA Dual VGA PCle card Triple VGA PCle card 2 14
85. ax 1 510 608 4555 Web site usa asus com Technical Support Telephone 1 812 282 2787 Support fax 1 812 284 0883 Online support support asus com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH Germany and Austria Address Harkort Str 21 23 D 40880 Ratingen Germany Fax 49 2102 959911 Web site www asus de Online contact www asus de sales Technical Support Telephone 49 1805 010923 Support Fax 49 2102 9599 11 Online support support asus com EUR 0 14 minute from a German fixed landline EUR 0 42 minute from a mobile phone eJmeubis UoUS Auer owen O39 uogIsod DUDE AJILUJOJUOD 93 LLoz Bupuew 39 Buixige ulbaq 0 J29A LLOZ 9z Bny a3eq uogeJejdoq Bupe 39 LOLOLL JOA s00z L0ez9N3 O 6002 84 ON 93 uoyejnbay gooz oez9 NA O 6002 249 ON 93 uonejndoy go0z oez9 NA O 800Z SZZ1 ON 93 vonenbay A1 9911q d13 93 GZ L 600Z O 8003 1 1 W 9002 1W 2003 59009 NA 600Z 11W 900Z 1 09609 NI E 900c L 05609 Na O aande10 GAT 93 S6 900cX LO 600Z 1 1 LA Z9 ZOE NA G0 900Z L LA Z 2S LOE NA 60 2002 L E LA 9ZE ZOE NA 90 200Z Z Z LA Z 9Z ZOE NA 60 2002 LA v2 68r LOE NA S0 600Z 1 L ZA ZL 68r LOE NA L1 200Z L y LA 6 687 LOE NA LL G00Z LE LA 2 68 LOE NA 80 Z00Z 1 LA b 68b LOE NA 80 Z00Z L bLA 68b LOE NA v0 800Z 1 8 LA 1 68 LOE NA Z00Z S8E0S N3 Z00Z LZ 0S Na L00Z 09 0 N3 LO 600Z L L LA Z bbS ZOE NA 0 500Z 1 b LA 68 LOE NA 50 200Z2 L T A
86. cally detects AN The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed Cj Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced CPU Configuration gt Adjust Non Turbo Ratio Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor Enabled Hyper threading Enabled gt lt Select Screen Select Item Enter Select Change Opt General Help Previous Values Shortcut Optimized Defaults ASUS Ratio Boost Intel Virtualization Technology Enabled Fide Gwe E Bap F12 Print Screen Active Processor Cores All Limit CPUID Maximum Disabled Execute Disable Bit Enabled gt CPU Power Management Configuration Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor Enabled Disabled Disables the CPU thermal monitor function Enabled Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down Hyper threading Enabled The Intel Hyper Threading Technology allows a hyper threading processor to appear as two logical processors to the operating system allowing the operating system to schedule two threads or processes simultaneously Disabled Only one thread per activated core is enabled Enabled Two threads per activated core are enabled ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 27 3 28 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 Limit CPUID Maximu
87. capability If you want to connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to HD if you want to connect an AC 97 front panel audio module to this connector set the item to AC97 By default this connector is set to HD 9 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 P9X79 PRO EJ Dm voa BL m P9X79 PRO ATX powe ASUS P9X79 PRO connect ors O EATXPWR 3 Volts GND 12 Volts 5 Volts 12 Volts 5 Volts 5V Standby 5 Volts Power OK 5 Volts GND GND 5 Volts GND GND GND 5 Volts PSON GND GND 3 Volts 12 Volts 3 Volts 3 Volts PIN 1 2 33 2 34 For a fully configured system we recommend that you use a power supply unit PSU that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2 0 or later version and provides a minimum power of 350 W Do no
88. d better thermal performance Reducing phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency Standard Proceeds phase control depending on the CPU loading Optimized Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile Extreme Proceeds the full phase mode Manual Adjustment Allows manual adjustment DRAM AB 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 AB 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 Configuration options Auto manual DRAM AB Power Phase control Auto Optimized Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile Extreme Allows you to set the Full phase mode 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 Configuration options Auto manual DRAM CD Power Phase control Auto Auto Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning pr
89. de Manual Mode Allows you to set a fixed CPU VCCSA voltage Offset Mode Allows you to set the CPU VCCSA Offset voltage CPU VCCSA Voltage Auto This item appears only when you set the VSA CPU Voltage item to Manual Mode and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage The values range from 0 800V to 1 700V with a 0 005V interval Offset Mode Sign This item appears only when you set the CPU Voltage item to Offset Mode To offset the voltage by a positive value To offset the voltage by a negative value CPU VCore Offset Voltage Auto This item allows you to set the Offset voltage The values range from 0 005V to 0 635V with a 0 005V interval Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 23 3 24 DRAM Voltage CHA CHB Auto Allows you to set the DRAM voltage The values range from 1 20V to 1 99V with a 0 005V interval DRAM Voltage CHC CHD Auto Allows you to set the DRAM voltage The values range from 1 20V to 1 99V with a 0 005V interval According to Intel CPU spec DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1 65V may damage e the CPU permanently We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1 65V CPU PLL Voltage Auto Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage The values range from 1 80V to 2 10V with a 0 00625V interval
90. disabled Intel LAN Controller Enabled Disabled Disables the controller Enabled Enables the Intel LAN controller Intel LAN PXE OPROM Disabled This item appears only when you set the previous item to Enabled and allows you to enable or disable the PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller Configuration options Enabled Disabled Asmedia USB 3 0 Controller Enabled This item allows user to enabled disabled Asmedia USB 3 0 Configuration options Disabled Enabled Marvell Storage Controller Enabled Allows you to select the Marvell storage controller operating mode Disabled Disables the controller Enabled Set to Enabled when you want use the function of Marvell RAID Marvell Storage OPROM Enabled This item appears only when you set the previous item to Enabled and allows you to enable or disable the OptionRom of the Marvell storage controller Configuration options Disabled Enabled ASM1061 Storage Controller AHCI Mode Allows you to enable or disable the ASM1061 storage controller Configuration options Disabled IDE Mode AHCI Mode recommend that you set this item to AHCI Mode and install the ASM1061 Controller Driver from the motherboard support DVD Z If you want to use the full functin of the ASM1061 storage contorller ex AHCI we ASM1061 Storage OPROM Enabled This item appears only when you set the previous item to IDE Mode or AHCI Mode and allows you to en
91. drivers for better compatibility and system stability 4 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 4 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 Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install The Drivers menu shows the available The Make Disk menu The Manual menu contains device drivers if the system detects contains items to the list of supplementary user installed devices Install the necessary create the RAID AHCI manuals Click an item to open drivers to use the devices driver disk the folder of the user manual The Utilities Click the Contact menu shows the tab to display the applications and ASUS contact other software that E ASUS InstAll information the motherboard Google Toolbar supports Gogle Chrome Broma ar Click an icon to display DVD Horton internet Security O11 motherboard Intel Chipset Driver information lin Rapid Sboragu Tea hmlu under Click an item a Realtek Audio Dinar to install Management Engine Interface Agmedia SATA Controller Direrer Intel LAN Dinner ASMeda
92. due to Windows XP limitation To work around this OS limitation refer to section 4 5 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive 4 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS Boot your computer Press lt Del gt during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility Set the optical drive as the primary boot device Insert the support DVD into the optical drive Save changes and exit BIOS When the Make Disk menu appears press lt 1 gt to create a RAID driver disk Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive then press lt Enter gt o N o 0 e oe a Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process 4 5 2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows To create a RAID driver disk in Windows 1 Start Windows 2 Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk 3 Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive 4 Go to the Make Disk menu and then click Intel X79 RAID Driver Disk to create a RAID driver disk Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process Write protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection 4 30 Chapter 4 Software support 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation To install the RAID driver in Windows XP 1 During the OS installation the system prompts you to press the F6 key to
93. e DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to increase OC Range DRAM Power Phase Control Set Manual Adjustment to faster phase response to increase system performance or to slower phase response to increase DRAM power efficiency AN The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification Do not remove the thermal module The thermal conditions should be monitored ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 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 Launching EPU After installing Al Suite Il from the motherboard support DVD launch EPU by clicking Tool gt EPU on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Displays the following message if no VGA power saving engine is detected Multiple system operating modes eres pon oirt ra moms EPU Status The items lighting up means power saving engine is activated Displays the amount of CO2 reduced Shifts between the display of Total and Current CO2 reduced me Starter Displays the current CPU power Advanced settings for each mode Displays the system properties of each mode e Select From EPU Installation
94. e POST Configuration options Disabled Enabled ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 31 3 32 3 5 4 USB Configuration The items in this menu allow you to change the USB related features Co Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced USB Configuration gt Enables Legacy USB support AUTO option disables legacy support if no USB devices are connected DISABLE option will keep USB devices available only for UEFI applications Legacy USB Support Enabled Legacy USB3 0 Support Enabled EHCI Hand off Disabled Z The USB Devices item shows the auto detected values If no USB device is detected the item shows None mo Legacy USB Support Enabled Disabled The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program Enabled Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems OS Auto Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup If detected the USB controller legacy mode is enabled If no USB device is detected the legacy USB support is disabled Legacy USB3 0 Support Enabled Disabled Disables the function Enabled Enables the support for USB 3 0 devices on legacy operating systems OS EHCI Hand off Disabled Disabled Disables the function Enabled Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand off feature Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 6 Onboard Devices Configuraton C Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Advanced Onboard Devices Configuration gt E
95. e dedicated button for 3 seconds and the BIOS is automatically flashed using standby power Worry free overclocking for the ultimate convenience ASUS Q Design ASUS Q Design enhances your DIY experience All of Q LED Q Slot Q Code and Q DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process ASUS Q Shield The specially designed ASUS Q Shield does without the usual fingers making it convenient and easy to install With better electric conductivity it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference EMI ASUS Q Connector ASUS Q Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS based utility Chapter 1 Product Introduction 1 3 6 Other special features DTS UltraPC Il DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 5 1 surround through the most popular PC audio setups your existing stereo speakers or headphones In addition to virtual surround it upgrades original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration recreating the dynamic range of audio files Symmetry mode improves the balance of perceived loudness across different input sources and Enhance
96. e existing drive RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance fault tolerance and higher storage capacity The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing relational database applications enterprise resource planning and other business systems Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity redundancy data having to be calculated and written With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 21 4 22 4 4 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 2 Connect the SATA signal cables 3 Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive 4 4 3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set s using SATA HDDs To do this Enter the BIOS Setup during POST Go to the Advanced menu gt SATA Configuration and then press
97. e for frequently accessed data Harness a combination of SSD like performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click No rebooting is needed with instant activation for complete ease of use Launching ASUS SSD Caching After installing Al Suite Il from the motherboard support DVD launch ASUS SSD Caching by clicking Tool gt ASUS SSD Caching on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Configuring ASUS SSD Caching 1 Connect one HDD and one SSD to the the Marvell SATA ports SATA6G_E1 E2 ASUS SSD Caching automatically detects the HDD and SSD 2 Click on Caching Now to initialize the connected disks Initialization status is shown on the program interface 3 Caching function will be activated once initialization is complete caching V During initialization you can proceed with doing any system operations You can check the caching status later or wait for a pop up message notifying that initialization is completed For regular usage the SATA6G_E1 E2 connectors are recommended for data drives After disabling SSD Caching the SSD will become a non configurable disk in Windows OS To use the SSD again for normal functions go to Disk Management to reconfigure the SSD Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 11 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 con
98. easier than ever At 3X faster this feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data Harness a combination of SSD like performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click no rebooting needed and instant activation for complete ease of use ASUS P9X79 PRO 1 3 TPU Unleash your performance with ASUS simple onboard switch or Al Suite II utility The TPU chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto Tuning and TurboV functions Auto tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically optimize the system for fast yet stable clock speeds while TurboV enables unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequencies and ratios for optimized performance in diverse situations EPU Tap into the world s first real time PC power saving chip through a simple onboard switch or Al Suite II utility Get total system wide energy optimization by automatically detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power consumption This also reduces fan noise and extends component longevity 1 3 3 ASUS Exclusive Features BT GO Bluetooth Onboard Bluetooth wireless design enables smart connectivity to Bluetooth devices with no additional adapter ASUS BT GO includes seven special functions so users can sync and transfer files between PC and mobile devices and use them as a remote control to play music and other content All are fully
99. edos org C gt d D gt Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 Atthe FreeDOS prompt type bupdater o filename and press lt Enter gt D gt 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 The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process When BIOS backup is done press any key to return to the DOS prompt ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1 18 2011 04 29 BOARD IPOXTINPRO BOARD Unknown VER 0220 VER Unknown DATE 08 09 2011 DATE Unknown BIOS backup is done Press any key to continue ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 51 Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater 1 At the FreeDOS prompt type bupdater pc g and press lt Enter gt D gt bupdater pc g The BIOS Updater screen appears as below ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1 18 2011 04 29 BOARD P9X79 PRO BOARD Unknown VER 0220 VER Unknown DATE 08 09 2011 DATE Unknown P8P67D ROM 4194304 2011 08 05 17 30 48 Enter Select or Load Tab Switch V Drive Info Up Down Home End Move B Backup Esc Exit Press lt Tab gt to switch between screen
100. elow 1 Using another computer plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert the floppy disk containing the RAID driver 2 Right click My Computer on the Windows desktop or start menu and then select Manage from the pop up window odor AN 3 Select Device Manager From the Universal Serial Bus controllers right click xxxxxx USB Floppy and then select Properties from the pop up window V The name of the USB floppy disk oa a E L drive varies with different vendors E onde ler 4 Click Details tab The Vendor ID VID Mitsumi USB Floppy Properties and Product ID PID are displayed e Ding Det gt Mitsumi USB Floppy D evite Instance Id USB VID_O3EERPID_6901 paa5EDABE 72082 5 Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the file txtsetup oem a A E ere 6 Double click the file A window appears Bee teem ae To open this file Windows needs to know what program created it Windows al OWI ng you to select the prog ram for can go online to look it up automatically or you can manually select From a list of programs on your computer opening the oem file What do you want to do Use the Web service to find the appropriate program 2 Select the program From a list Chapter 4 Software support 7 Use Notepad to open the file Choose the program you want to use to open this file File Extsetup oem Programs m Recommended Programs T Notepad m
101. er Industry leading Digital 8 2 Phase Power Design CPU Power Utility DRAM Power Industry leading Digital 2 2 Phase Power Design DRAM Power Utility ASUS EPU EPU utility EPU switch ASUS TPU Auto Tuning TurboV TPU switch ASUS BT GO Folder Sync BT Transfer Shot amp Send BT to Net Music Player Personal Manager BT Turbo Remote ASUS Exclusive Features ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly graphics user interface ASUS SSD Caching USB 3 0 Boost Front Panel USB 3 0 Support MemOK Al Suite II Al Charger ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Fanless Design Heat pipe solution ASUS Fan Xpert ASUS EZ DIY USB BIOS Flashback ASUS O C Profile ASUS MyLogo 2 Percision Tweaker 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Multi language BIOS ASUS Q Design ASUS Q Code ASUS Q Shield ASUS Q Slot ASUS Q DIMM ASUS Q LED CPU DRAM VGA Boot Device LED ASUS Q Connector continued on the next page P9X79 PRO specifications summary ASUS exclusive Precision Tweaker 2 overclocking features vCore Adjustable CPU voltage at 0 005V increment vTTCPU Adjustable I O voltage at 0 00625V increment vCCSA 255 step system agent voltage control vDRAM Bus 160 step Memory voltage control vPCH 96 step Chipset voltage control vCPU_PLL 48 step CPU amp PCH PLL voltage control SFS Stepless Frequency Selection BCLK PEG frequency tuning from 80MHz up to 300MHz at 0 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection AS
102. ers enjoy 2X faster transfer rates and can use external SATA 6Gb s devices with no additional power adapters ASUS provides two extra ports with enhanced scalability faster data retrieval and double the bandwidth of current bus systems for extra speed and accessibility ASUS P9X79 PRO 1 3 5 ASUS EZ DIY ASUS UEFI BIOS ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable modes providing a user friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard only controls It also natively supports fully utilized hard drives larger than 2 2TB in 64 bit operating systems ASUS exclusive interface EZ Mode displays frequently accessed info Users can choose system performance settings and drag and drop boot priorities Advanced Mode for performance enthusiasts includes detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated memory info page for complete insight New upgrade Quick and easy info for enhanced system control F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI setup info and troubleshooting New F3 Shortcut for most accessed info ASUS DRAM SPD Serial Presence Detect Information for accessing memory info detecting faulty DIMMs and helping with difficult POST situations USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to flash the BIOS ever It allows overclockers to try new BIOS versions easily without even entering their existing BIOS or Operating system Just plug in USB storage and push th
103. esktop onto this mont Resolution Low 1920 by 1200 pued once dstr i 5 6 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support B4 Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel Looking for the NVIDIA Display Control Panel All of the NVIDIA control panels have been consolidated into a single application the NVIDIA Control Panel It can be launched from the Windows Control Panel or by right clicking on the Windows desktop B5 The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears A SA T eee ote cee a e O o a a aa Todo tarte me Me beng st a cms tm Enabling SLI settings From the NVIDIA Control Panel window select Set SLI Configuration Click Enable SLI and set the display for viewing SLI rendered content When done click Apply TIA BAR CR e rs ee e e Be A eee A sam i mam A A oes sa em pio he re bea co od Cm a ed rr ASUS P9X79 PRO 9 7 5 8 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC Address 15 Li Te Road Peitou Taipei Taiwan 11259 Telephone 886 2 2894 3447 Fax 886 2 2890 7798 E mail info asus com tw Web site www asus com tw Technical Support Telephone 86 21 38429911 Online support support asus com ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL America Address 800 Corporate Way Fremont CA 94539 USA Telephone 1 812 282 3777 F
104. fessional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using contact your local power company If the power supply is broken do not try to fix it by yourself Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer Operation safety Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it carefully read all the manuals that came with the package Before using the product ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged If you detect any damage contact your dealer immediately To avoid short circuits keep paper clips screws and staples away from connectors slots sockets and circuitry Avoid dust humidity and temperature extremes Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet Place the product on a stable surface If you encounter technical problems with the product contact a qualified service technician or your retailer viii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts Chapter 1 Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports Chapter 2 Hardware informati
105. ficAMDon area and select Vision Engine ion Control Center ia NOTA ee do 8 17 2011 E Screen resolution E Gadgets Ef Personalize 2 The VISION Engine Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existance of multi graphics cards Click Go to continue to the VISION Engine Control Center Advanced View window Enabling Dual CrossFireX technology 1 In the Catalyst Control Center window click Graphics Settings gt Performance gt AMD CrossFireX Configuration A ELE RTC 2 From the Graphics Adapter list select the paren e graphics card to act as the display GPU e emcee 3 Select Enable CrossFireX 4 Click Apply and then click OK to exit the 1 4 e window ASUS P9X79 PRO 5 3 5 2 NVIDIA SLI technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA SLI Scalable Link Interface technology that allows you to install multi graphics processing units GPU graphics cards Follow the installation procedures in this section 5 2 1 Requirements In SLI mode you should have two identical SLI ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA certified Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website www nvidia com Ensure that your power supply unit PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system See Chapter 2 for details AN We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better
106. for reference only The actual utility screen displays may not be same as shown Sa Before updating BIOS 1 Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32 16 format and single partition 2 Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http support asus com and save them on the USB flash drive AN NTFS is not supported under DOS environment Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity 3 Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives optional Booting the system in DOS environment 1 Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port 2 Boot your computer When the ASUS Logo appears press lt F8 gt to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the optical drive as the boot device Please select boot device SATA XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX UEFI XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Enter Setup l and to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to boot using defaults 3 When the Make Disk menu appears select the FreeDOS command prompt item by pressing the item number 4 Atthe FreeDOS prompt type d and press lt Enter gt to switch the disk from Drive C optical drive to Drive D USB flash drive Welcome to FreeDOS http www fre
107. ge the motherboard components These are not jumpers Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors Z The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 1A 12 W fan power If you install two VGA cards we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment Chapter 2 Hardware information 8 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 a E lo Paea ala a aafaa mal AAFP g E 7505 Pian Li la Dime P9X79 PRO Analog fr SENSE_SEND PORT2R PORT2L PORTIR PORTIL PIN 1 GND SENSE2 RETUR SENSE1 RETUR PRESENCE HD audio compliant pin definition ont panel connector MICPWR Line out_L MIC2 NC Line out_R PIN 1 NC NC NC AGND Legacy AC 97 compliant definition We recommend that you connect a high definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard s high definition audio
108. hen press lt Enter gt when prompted to create confirm the password Administrator Password User Password ASUS P9X79 PRO If you have forgotten your BIOS password erase the CMOS Real Time Clock RTC RAM to clear the BIOS password See section 2 3 10 Rear panel connectors for information on how to erase the RTC RAM The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default Not Installed After you set a password these items show Installed 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 lt Enter gt 2 From the Create New Password box key in a password then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted To change an administrator password 1 Select the Administrator Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 From the Enter Current Password box key in the current password then press lt Enter gt 3 From the Create New Password box key in a new password then press lt Enter gt 4 Confirm the password when prompted To clear the administrator password follow the same steps as in changing an administrator password but press lt Enter gt when prompted to create confirm the password After you clear
109. herboard The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards Before you start installing the motherboard and hardware devices on it check the items in your package with the list below 1 2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items ASUS P9X79 PRO Te Te TM H 4 x Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s cables 2x Serial ATA 3 0 Gb s cables 1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector E TM H 1 x ASUS Q Shield 1 x 2 in 1 ASUS Q Connector kit 1 ASUS 3 way SLI bridge connector If any of the above items is damaged or missing contact your retailer The illustrated items above are for reference only Actual product specifications may vary with different models ASUS P9X79 PRO 1 1 1 3 Special features 1 3 1 Product highlights 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 processor family for the LGA 2011 Socket This motherboard supports the latest Intel 2nd Generation Core i7 Processor Family in LGA2011 package with memory and PCI Express controllers integrated to quad channel 8 DIMMs DDR3 memory and 40 PCI Express 3 0 lanes This provides great graphics performance Intel 2nd Generation Core i7 Processor Family is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world Intel X79 Express Chipset The Intel X79 Express Chipset is the latest single chipset design that supports the new
110. i Tweaker Advanced Monitor Select the keyboard NumLock state Bootup NumLock State On Full Screen Logo Enabled Wait For F1 If Error Enabled Option ROM Messages Force BIOS Setup Mode EZ Mode Boot Option 1 P3 xxo0000x Boot Option 2 P4 XXXXXXX gt lt Select Screen 1 Select Item Enter Select Change Opt General Help Previous Values Shortcut Optimized Defaults ASUS Ratio Boost Fio Save ESC Exit F12 Print Screen gt P5 XXXXXXXXXXXX gt P6 XXXXXXXXXXXX gt Hard Drive BBS Priorities gt CD DVD ROM Drive BBS Priorities Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc Bootup NumLock State On On Sets the power on state of the NumLock to On Off Sets the power on state of the NumLock to Off Full Screen Logo Enabled Enabled Enables the full screen logo display feature Disabled Disables the full screen logo display feature Z Set this item to Enabled to use the ASUS MyLogo 2 feature Wait For FT If Error Enabled Disabled Disables this function Enabled The system waits for the lt F1 gt key to be pressed when error occurs Option ROM Messages Force BIOS Force BIOS The third party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence Keep Current The third party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third party manufacturer had set the add on device to do so ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 39 3 40
111. ings as a new profile Current values Voltage Click to show Adjustment settings bars Undoes all changes without applying Click to restore Applies all changes all start up immediately settings Chapter 4 Software support Using Advanced Mode Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings Advanced mode Voltage Target values Adjustment bars Current values Undoes all changes without applying deep Applies all changes settings immediately CPU Ratio Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio AN The first time you use CPU Ratio go to Al Tweaker gt CPU Power Management in BIOS and set the Turbo Ratio item to Maximum Turbo Ratio setting in OS Click on the CPU Ratio tab 2 Drag the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value 3 Click on Apply to make the change take effect fa TurboV EVO Mansa Mode CPU Ratio CPU Ratio Adjustment bar Undoes all changes without applying Click to restore all start up Applies all changes settings immediately aN Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to Auto before using the CPU Ratio function in TurboV Refer to Chapter 3 of your motherboard user manual for details The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores which vary with your CPU model ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 5 4 6 CPU Strap Allows you to manually adjust CPU Strap 1 Click on the CPU Strap tab 2 Click on the adjustment bar to the desired va
112. install PCle x16 cards Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 3 10 USB BIOS Flashback USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to flash the BIOS It allows overclockers to try new BIOS versions easily without having to enter their existing BIOS or operating system Just plug in USB storage and push the dedicated button for 3 seconds and the BIOS is automatically flashed using standby power Worry free overclocking for the ultimate convenience 1 Download the BIOS Flashback program from the ASUS service website www asus com Rename it P9X79PRO ROM save the program to a USB portable disk and place it in the root directory 2 On the rear I O port plug the USB disk to the USB port with the WHITE interior 3 Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds and the light will begin to flash on the third second The Flashback function is enabled once the light starts to flash The flashing rate of the light signal accelerates along with the updating speed 1 Do not unplug portable disk power system or press the CLR CMOS button while BIOS update is ongoing otherwise update will be interrupted In case of interruption please follow the recommended procedures again to complete BIOS update 2 Ifthe light flashes for five seconds and turns into a stable lighting this means that the BIOS Flashback is not operating properly This may be caused by 1 Improper installation of the portable disk 2 Error in file name or incomp
113. install third party SCSI or RAID driver Press lt F6 gt 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 4 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation To install the RAID driver for Windows Vista or later OS 1 During the OS installation click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation media containing the RAID driver 2 Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into the optical drive and then click Browse 3 Click the name of the device you ve inserted go to Drivers gt RAID and then select the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version Click OK 4 Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation y Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive you have to use another computer to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive ASUS P9X79 PRO 9 gt y ao 4 da 4 32 4 5 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 b
114. ion Turbo Sets to Turbo to achieve maximum chassis fan speed Manual Sets to Manual to assign detailed fan speed control parameters y The following four items appear only when you set Chassis 1 2 3 4 Fan Profile to cm Manual Chassis 1 2 3 4 Upper Temperature 70 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the upper limit of the CPU temperature The values range from 40 C to 90 C Chassis 1 2 3 4 Fan Max Duty Cycle 100 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle The values range from 60 to 100 The minimum value can not lower than the setting of Min duty cycle Chassis 1 2 3 4 Lower Temperature 40 Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature Chassis 1 2 3 4 Fan Min Duty Cycle 60 Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle The values range from 60 to 100 When the chassis temperature is under 40 C the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle CPU Voltage 3 3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item Anti Surge Support Enabled This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function Configuration options Disabled Enabled Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options A
115. ion could get higher voltage and good overclocking performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal CPU Current Capability CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking A higher value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery CPU Voltage Frequency Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and component thermal Higher frequency gets quicker transient response VCCSA Load line Calibration The behavior of the DRAM Controller is decided by the VCCSA Load line Set to a higher value for system performance or to a lower value for better thermal solution VCCSA Current Capability A higher value brings wider total DRAM Controller power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously CPU Power Phase Control Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance Reduce phase number under light system loading to increase VRM efficiency CPU Power Duty Control CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal of every phase component Chapter 4 Software support DRAM Power Application aids Apply all changes immediately Undo all changes without applying Function no Function description DRAM Current Capability A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously DRAM Voltage Frequency Allows you to adjust th
116. ion options Auto Disabled Enabled Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 4 2 DIGI Power Control ma P JN A CPU Load Line Calibration Auto CPU Load line is defined by Intel VRM spec and affects CPU voltage The CPU working voltage will decrease proportionally to CPU loading Higher load line calibration would get higher voltage and better overclocking performance but increase the CPU and VRM thermal This item allows you to adjust the voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance 0 Regular 25 Medium 50 High 75 Ultra High and 100 Extreme Configuration options Auto Regular Medium High Ultra High Extreme Z The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specifiation me ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 19 CPU Current Capability Auto This item provides wider total power range for overclocking A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously Configuration options 100 110 120 130 140 0 Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI Power Control related a parameters The thermal conditions should be monitored Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the lt Enter gt key You can also use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value To restore the default setting type auto using the keyboard and press the lt
117. ital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES 003 REACH Complying with the REACH Registration Evaluation Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals regulatory framework we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http csr asus com english REACH htm 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 This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste Safety information Electrical safety To prevent electrical shock hazard disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system When adding or removing devices to or from the system ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected If possible disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard ensure that all power cables are unplugged Seek pro
118. ith 1 interval Secondary Timings DRAM RAS to RAS Delay Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 7 with 1 interval DRAM REF Cycle Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 48 to 511 with 1 interval DRAM WRITE Recovery Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 5 to 31 with 1 interval DRAM READ to PRE Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 16 to 63 with 1 interval DRAM WRITE to READ Delay Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval Chapter 3 BIOS setup DRAM WRITE Latency Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 1 to 15 with 1 interval Third Timings tRRDR Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tRRDD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tWWDR Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tWWDD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values
119. its for a Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer s instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver e Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected e Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help 4 The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate this equipment Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from dig
120. ity 4 26 4 5 Creating a RAID driver Cisk ccsccscccssssssesseseeeseeesseeseeseeessnensnesseesenens 4 30 4 5 1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS 4 30 4 5 2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows A E A A 4 30 4 5 3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows OS installation 4 31 4 5 4 Using a USB floppy disk drive eres 4 32 Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support 5 1 AMD CrossFireX technology ecocnccccccnccnonnncanennncnnanencnnancrnnrannnarcnnnan rra 5 1 5 1 1 REQUILCIMCNIS enserio reload 5 1 5 1 2 Belore VOU DEI serca 5 1 5 1 3 Installing two CrossFireX graphics cards oooccocconocccoccconnnoo no 5 2 5 1 4 Installing the device drivers 5 3 5 1 5 Enabling the AMD CrossFireX technology om o o 5 3 5 2 NVIDIA SLI technology iissicaiaats rara 5 4 5 2 1 Requiem ica 5 4 5 2 2 Installing two SLl ready graphics Cards ooonocciccnicccoccicccccnconncnnos 5 4 5 2 3 Installing the device drivers 5 5 5 2 4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technology 5 5 vi 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 e 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 lim
121. k 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 CHD D1 R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 Others DRAM CLK Period Auto Configuration options Auto 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Enhanced Training CHA Auto Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled Enhanced Training CHB Auto Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 17 3 18 Enhanced Training CHD Auto Configuration options Auto Disabled Enabled MCH Duty Sense CHA Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval MCH Duty Sense CHB Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval MCH Duty Sense CHC Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval MCH Duty Sense CHD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval MCH Recheck Auto Configurat
122. l ATA hard disk drives you can create a RAID O 1 5 and 10 configuration with the Intel Rapid Storage Technology through the onboard Intel X79 chipset A SATA3G_3 SATA3G_4 4 4 4 4 RSATA_RXP3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND RSATA_RXN RSATA_RXP RSATA_TXN RSATA_TXP ina GND RSATA_RXN3 GND GND E GND RSATA_RXN5 RSATA_RXP5 GND RSATA_TXN5 RSATA_TXP5 GND GND RSATA RXN6 RSATA_RXP6 GND RSATA_TXN6 RSATA_TXP6 GND P9X79 PRO i SATA3G_5 SATASG 6 Ed Di oO sE amp P9X79 PRO Intel SATA 3 0 Gb s connectors aN e 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 4 RAID configurations or the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD When using NCQ set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to AHCI Mode Refer to sectio
123. lt Enter gt Set the SATA Mode item to RAID Mode Save your changes and then exit the BIOS Setup NS Z Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup AN Due to chipset limitation when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode all SATA ports run at RAID mode together 4 4 4 Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility To enter the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility 1 Turn on the system 2 During POST press lt Ctrl gt lt I gt to display the utility main menu Intel R Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM v10 0 0 1032 Copyright C 2003 10 Intel Corporation All Rights Reserved Create RAID Volume 3 Reset Disks to Non RAID 2 Delete RAID Volume 4 Recovery Volume Options RAID Volumes None defined Physical Devices Port Device Model Serial Type Status Vol ID 0 ST3160812AS 9LSOHJA4 149 0GB 1 sT3160812AS 9LSOF4HL 149 0GB 2 sT3160812AS 3LSOJYL8 149 0GB 3 ST3160812AS 9LSOBJ5H 149 0GB 1 Select ESC Exit ENTER Select Menu Chapter 4 Software support The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through the menus and select the menu options AA Z The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration a The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and may not exactly match the items on your screen Creating a RAID set To create a RAID set 1 From the u
124. lue The graph on the right will change value accordingly 3 Click on Apply to make the change take effect CPU Strap Undoes all changes ithout applying Applies all changes immediately aN Every CPU Strap support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs Auto Tuning ASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes providing the most flexible auto tuning options aN The overclocking result varies with the CPU model and the system configuration To prevent overheating from damaging the motherboard a better thermal environment is strongly recommended Fast Tuning fast CPU overclocking Extreme Tuning extreme overclocking for CPU and memory Using Fast Tuning 1 Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click Fast 2 Read through the warning messages and click OK to start kite seres evel Up auto overclocking sem EP EA pe rl Chapter 4 Software support 3 TurboV automatically overclocks Alo Tuning Success the CPU saves BIOS settings and restarts the system After i 2575 mu re entering Windows a message EE ELETE 11 appears indicating auto tuning success Click OK to exit 2011 08 18 Using Extreme Tuning 1 Click the Auto Tuning tab and then click Extreme 2 Read through the warning messages and click OK to start ca auto overclocking jor Y A 1 gt Io nt 1 l ss 3 TurboV automatically overclocks the CPU and memory and restarts the sys
125. lure in a RAID 1 virtual disk Gigabyte Rounding allows the replacement physical disk to be of a size slightly smaller than the existing physical disk The capacity of the rebuilt virtual disk equals to the size of the smaller physical disk included in the RAID 1 array The configuration options represent the tolerance value of drive capacity difference Configuration options None 1G 10G Name Enter a name with 1 10 letters no special characters for the RAID array 5 Move the selection bar to Next and press lt Enter gt The following warning message appears Create Virtual Disk Do you want to create this virtual disk es e Press lt Y gt to create the RAID array or press lt N gt to cancel The new RAID array appears under Virtual Disks as shown in the image below T i U Par a 49 K em UO ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 27 4 28 Marvell BIOS Setup c 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd Topology Information Vendor ID E 1B4B F Virtual Disks Device ID L VD 0 New VD Revision ID PD 0 ST3160812AS BIOS Version gt 1 0 0 1028 PD 8 ST3160812AS Firmware Version 2 2 0 1105 Free Physical Disks PCIe Speed Rate 5 0Gbps Configure SATA as AHCI Mode Help Marvell RAID on chip controller 6 Press lt F10 gt The following warning message appears Exit Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup Press lt Y gt to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility Delete an exis
126. m Disabled Enabled Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions Disabled Disables this function Execute Disable Bit Enabled Enabled Enables the No Execution Page Protection Technology Disabled Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero 0 Intel Virtualization Tech Enabled Enabled Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately and simultaneously enabling one system to virtually function as several systems Disabled Disables this function 3 5 2 CPU Power Management Configuration CPU Ratio Auto Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled Turbo Mode Enabled CPU C1E Auto CPU C3 Report Auto CPU C6 Report Auto CPU C7 Report Auto Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc CPU Ratio Auto Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency Use lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the ratio The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology EIST Disabled The CPU runs at its default speed Enabled The operating system controls the CPU speed Turbo Mode Enabled Disabled Disables this function Enabled Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific condition Chapter 3 BIOS setup CPU C1E Auto
127. mory cooling system to support a full memory load 8 DIMMs or overclocking condition Chapter 2 Hardware information P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2400 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Chip Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS Brand NO 2 DIMM 4 DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM GskuL risco AcerISome fae 2x26 fos fenes TX2400KLU 4GK 381850 XMP 208 los o lo he po To To 1 P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2200 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS DS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional 2DIMM 4DIMM 6DIMM 8 DIMM GEIL GET38GB2200C9ADC XMP 8GB 2x DS 9 11 9 28 1 65 4GB KINGMAX FLKE85F B8KHA XMP 4G 2x DS 1 5 1 7 26 a a na A A 2GB P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 2133 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM ADATA Bi54A10MM XMP JB J ss Jogo fissar qo E fe ee ESSE HH ADATA JAX3U2I336C2CoB XMP fees ssj wow issiz f pre 78 BAGE4 AFDOC OP 8GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 4GB CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2A2133C9 XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 10 9 24 1 65 se CORSAIR CMT4GX3M2B2133C9 Ver7 1 XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 24 11 5 2GB G SKILL F3 17000CL9Q 16GBXLD XMP 16GB DS 9 11 9 28 1 65 4x 4GB mpe cl 00 E 4GB GEIL GE34GB2133C9DC XMP 4GB 2x DS 9 9 9 28 1 65 2GB KI
128. n Submenu item Pop up window Scroll bar Navigation keys Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items Main For changing the basic system configuration Ai Tweaker For changing the overclocking settings anced For changing the advanced system settings Mor itc For displaying the system temperature power status and changing the fan settings Bo For changing the system boot configuration Tool For configuring options for special functions Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 3 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 lt Esc gt or use the USB mouse to click this button to return to the previous menu screen Submenu items A greater than sign gt before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a submenu To display the submenu select the item and press lt Enter gt Pop up window Select a menu item and press lt Enter gt to display a pop up window with the configuration options for that item Scroll bar A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on the screen Press the Up Down arrow ke
129. n 3 5 4 SATA Configuration for details 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 Z IRST driver note for OS installation Windows XP _ 32 bit Intel IRST driver for X79 platform will NOT support Windows XP 32 bit Please set to IDE Mode for OS installation 64 bit When SATA Mode is set to AHCI Mode RAID Mode it is necessary to load IRST Driver from driver disk during OS Windows XP 64 bit installation for the system to detect the storage devices For details please refer to the section 4 5 Create a RAID driver disk Windows 7 amp Vista When SATA Mode is set to RAID Mode you must load IRST Driver during Windows 7 or Vista installation for the system to detect the Optical Disk Drive the ODD should be connected to the Intel SATA ports or else the ODD will not run We strongly recommend you save the IRST Driver from SCD to the USB Flash Drive before OS installation ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 27 2 28 Marvell Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s connectors 7 pin SATA6G_E1 E2 grey These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s hard disk drives via Serial ATA 6 0 Gb s signal cables RSATA_RXP1
130. n this user manual are for reference only The actual screenshots vary with models Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 3 4 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 Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch TurboV EVO by clicking Tool gt TurboV EVO on the Al Suite Il 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 _ TurboV TurboV allows you to overclock the BCLK frequency CPU voltage IMC voltage and DRAM Bus voltage in Windows environment and takes effect in real time without exiting and rebooting the OS AN Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable LN For system stability all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and will not be kept on the next system boot Use the Save Profile function to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts Click to select mode Load profile Target values Save the current sett
131. nabled Disabled Azalia HD Audio Azalia HD Audio Enabled Front Panel Type HD SPDIF Out Type Bluetooth Controller Enabled Intel LAN Controller Enabled Intel LAN PXE OPROM Disabled Asmedia USB 3 0 Controller Enabled Marvell Storage Controller Enabled gt lt Select Screen 1 Select Item Enter Select Change Opt General Help Previous Values Shortcut Optimized Defaults ASUS Ratio Boost F10 Save ESC Exit F12 Print Screen Marvell Storage OPROM Enabled ASM1061 Storage Controller AHCI Mode ASM1061 Storage OPROM Enabled Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc Azalia HD Audio Enabled Disabled Disables the controller Enabled Enables the High Definition Audio Controller Z The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to Enabled Front Panel Type HD Allows you to set the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to legacy AC 97 or high definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports HD Sets the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to high definition audio AC97 Sets the front panel audio connector AAFP mode to legacy AC 97 ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 33 3 34 SPDIF Out Type SPDIF SPDIF Sets to SPDIF for SPDIF audio output HDMI Sets to HDMI for HDMI audio output Bluetooth Controller Enabled Enabled ASUS BT GO is enabled Disabled ASUS BT GO is
132. nctions y Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG Inc and any use of such marks by ASUSTek Computer Inc is under license Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners Chapter 4 Software support 4 3 9 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 soeed of your USB 3 0 devices with ease Launching USB 3 0 Boost After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch USB 3 0 Boost by clicking Tool gt USB 3 0 Boost on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Configuring USB 3 0 Boost 1 Connect a USB 3 0 device to the USB 3 0 port 2 USB 3 0 Boost automatically detects the property of the connected device and switches to Turbo mode or UASP mode if UASP is supported by the connected device 3 You can manually switch the USB 3 0 mode back to Normal mode at any time g JEL USB 3 0 Boost y Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 15 4 16 4 3 10 ASUS SSD Caching This feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations as a cach
133. ofile Extreme Allows you to set the Full phase mode ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 21 3 22 3 4 2 CPU Performance Settings The items in this menu is setting for CPU Ratio Features Ue Ai Tweaker Advanced CPU Ratio Auto X M P When XMP is enabled BLCK frequency CPU ratio and memory Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled parameters will be auto optimized Turbo Mode Enabled Long Duration Power Limit Long Duration Maintained Short Duration Power Limit Additional Turbo Voltage CPU Core Current Limit gt lt Select Screen Select Item Enter Select Change Opt F1 General Help F2 Previous Values F5 Optimized Defaults F10 Save ESC Exit Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc CPU Ratio Auto This item allows user manually adjust the maximum non turbo CPU ratio The value will be limit to CPU base or factory setting Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology Enabled Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology allows the system operation system to dynamically adjust processor voltage and cores frequency which can result in decreased average power consumption and decreased average heat production Configuration options Disabled Enabled 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 Chapte
134. ololz Elalale lo AIR a VIA a y EN al313 2 3 2 3 2 82 a SI al SIS z ON S Q A Q 919 wm Wye me gt O olololo o foe fo e oj O w o lolo M po ojo S ISISI IS SI S DID D als D O o Talal mn A iga al A al A gt DID E I D 3 E D9KPT ep i 00 i 00 G G G ep amp PBR IM PM Dn 00 T 5 E pa rec ep A Ipida 1108BFBG DJ F ANYA T5CB256M8BN CG DOR Gaal Ce ie DIC UOjUO o 0 WW zZ 2x Dee DS Q TO SIS OJO wy MIN 919 oo CO m e O V gt lt O gjo ye GB GB ep DS Z IN O U N ep 2 0 Z O 0 mimm MIDIWIwW gt A D 3 O lt m A 2 do Po ps E Nm Oo Ww TU oo co AJS m m m z m m x x 2 Chapter 2 Hardware information P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333 MHz capability continued Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS 2 DIMM 4DIMM 6 DIMM 8 DIMM o eo A El oo o HHM Ea CC 460 o Tr E e si cl jun jo O A A 13H KINGTIGER F10DA2T1680 KINGTIGER KTG1333PS1208 E AO O O 0 O A TNA e ESOO EA TAI ER Aa a sl e a A OS E A a ee E A DE 2GB RIDATA___ c3os627CB1AG22Fe___ 2GB_ Ds RiDATA c3ose27cB1aG22Fefo RIDATA___ E304459CB1AG32Cf 4eB os ripara_ esoswsocerace2ctlo__ Silicon Power sPootGBLTE133501___ 1GB_ ss nanya_ Nrsce12emBA
135. omes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for the Intel Core i7 Processor Extreme Edition Core i7 Processors C XN P9X79 PRO al E im 90 2011080 ami P9X79 PRO CPU LGA2011 Upon purchase of the motherboard ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and i Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU the socket contacts are not bent Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing or if you see any damage to the PnP cap socket contacts motherboard components ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment transit related Keep the cap after installing the motherboard ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization RMA requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA2011 socket The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation removal or misplacement loss incorrect removal of the PnP cap Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 2 3 System memory The motherboard comes with eight Double Data Rate 3
136. on This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components It includes description of the switches jumpers and connectors on the motherboard Chapter 3 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided Chapter 4 Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software Chapter 5 Multiple GPU technology support This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple AMD CrossFireX and NVIDIA SLI graphics cards Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates 1 ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products Refer to the ASUS contact information Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation such as warranty flyers that may have been added by your dealer These documents are not part of the standard package Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual DANGER WARNING Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task CAUTION Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to com
137. on switch The motherboard comes with a power on switch that allows you to power up or wake up the system The switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a power source indicating 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 power on switch HER a 2 Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system TA E RR Im K E L a E O RESET Dim E P9X79 PRO Reset switch 2 16 Chapter 2 Hardware information 3 MemOK switch Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK switch lights continuously Press and hold the MemOK switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot BERE T
138. p or readme file that came with the software application for more information 4 3 1 Al Suite II Al Suite Il is an all in one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously Installing Al Suite II To install Al Suite Il on your computer 1 Place the support DVD to the optical drive The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has enabled the Autorun feature 2 Click on the Utilities tab then click Al Suite Il 3 Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation Using Al Suite Il Al Suite Il automatically starts when you enter the Windows operating system OS The Al Suite Il icon appears in the Windows notification area Click on the icon to open the Al Suite Il main menu bar Click on each button to select and launch a utility to monitor the system to update the motherboard BIOS to display the system information and to customize the settings of Al Suite Il Auto Tuning A 00 Update R Information Settings Click to customize the interface settings Click to show the system information Click to update the motherboard BIOS Click to monitor sensors or CPU frequency Click to select a utility Shortcut to the Auto Tuning Mode under TurboV EVO AN The Auto Tuning button appears only on models with the TurboV EVO function The applications in the Tool menu vary with models The screeshots of Al Suite Il i
139. plete a task IMPORTANT Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task NOTE Tips and additional information to help you complete a task QI gt gt Typography Bold text Indicates a menu or an tem to select Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase lt Key gt Keys enclosed in the less than and greater than sign means that you must press the enclosed key Example lt Enter gt means that you must press the Enter or Return key lt Key1 gt lt Key2 gt lt Key3 gt If you must press two or more keys simultaneously the key names are linked with a plus sign Example lt Ctrl gt lt Alt gt lt Del gt P9X79 PRO specifications summary Chipset Memory Expansion slots Multi GPU support Storage LAN Bluetooth Audio 2nd Generation Intel Core i7 processor family for the LGA 2011 Socket Supports Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2 0 Intel X79 Express Chipset 8 x DIMM max 64GB DDR3 2400 0 C 2133 0 C 1866 1600 1333 1066 MHz non ECC un buffered memory Quad channel memory architecture Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profile XMP Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs Refer to www asus com for the Memory QVL Qualified Vendors Lists 3 x PCI Express 3 0 x16 slots Dual at x16 x16 mode Triple at x16 x8 x8 mode 1 x PCI Express 3 0 x16 slot
140. ption or if you press lt Esc gt a confirmation window appears Select Yes to discard changes and exit ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen Launch UEFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application shellx64 efi from one of the available filesystem devices Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 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 DD Visit the ASUS website www asus com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program 1 ASUS Update Updates the BIOS in Windows environment ASUS EZ Flash 2 Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted 4 ASUS BIOS Updater Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities
141. r 3 BIOS setup Turbo Mode Parameters Long Duration Power Limit Auto The default setting of this item will be TDP 130W For Sandy Bridge E Turbo Ratio can be kept a time duration exceed TDP for maximum performance Any value under 255 can be programmed Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value Long Duration Maintained Auto This value can vary from 1 to 32 which indicates the time window for Turbo Ratio over TDP should be maintained Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value Short Duration Power Limit Auto This is the second power limit to provide rapid protection when package power exceeds Power Limit 1 Default setting is 1 25 times Power Limit 1 For Intel recommend platform must be capable of supporting over Power Limit 2 for up to 10 msec ASUS board can support over Power Limit 2 for a long duration Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value CPU Core Current Limit Auto This item allows user to enter CPU Current Limit unit in 0 125A Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value CPU VCORE Voltage Offset Mode Manual Mode Allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage Offset Mode Allows you to set the Offset voltage CPU VCORE Manual Voltage Auto This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to Manual Mode and allows you to set a fixed CPU voltage The values range from 0 800V to 1 700V with a 0 005V interval CPU VCCSA Voltage Offset Mo
142. r more details refer to section 3 10 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 8 2 ASUS DRAM SPD Information This menu showed the DIMM slot related informatons Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Back Tool ASUS DRAM Information ASUS DRAM Information gt gt DIMM_A1 gt DIMM_A2 gt DIMM_B1 gt DIMM_B2 gt DIMM_C1 gt DIMM_C2 gt DIMM_D1 gt DIMM_D2 ES DINO Lita Wwe T Pa y RA UEFI BIOS Utility Advanced Mc Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Back Tooh ASUS DRAM Information ASUS SPD Information gt DIMM Slot DIMM_B1 DIMM Slot number Manufacure Samsung Module Size 1024 MBytes Maximum Bandwidth 1333Mhz Part Number M391B2873DZ1 CH9 Serial Number 06036a40 Product Week Year 15 2008 SPD Ext Chapter 3 1 9 08 1D Frequency Mhz Voltage V CAS Latency tCL RAS to CAS tRCD RAS Precharge tRP tRAS ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 42 3 8 3 ASUS O C Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Tool ASUS O C Profile gt Save BIOS settings to Profile Label Save to Profile Load from Profile TA The Setup Profile Status items show Not Installed if no profile is created Label Allows you to input the label of setup profile Save to Profile Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash and create a profile Key ina profile number from one to eight press lt Enter g
143. r to the gray port ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 51 2 4 Starting up for the first time After making all the connections replace the system case cover Be sure that all switches are off Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector a eS Turn on the devices in the following order a Monitor b External SCSI devices starting with the last device on the chain c System power 6 After applying power the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up For systems with ATX power supplies the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button If your monitor complies with the green standards or if it has a power standby feature the monitor LED may light up or change from orange to green after the system LED turns on The system then runs the power on self tests or POST While the tests are running the BIOS beeps refer to the BIOS beep codes table below or additional messages appear on the screen If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power the system may have failed a power on test Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance Description One short beep VGA detected Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected One continuous beep followed by two No memory detected short beeps then a pause repeated One continuous
144. range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tRWDR Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval tRWDD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval tWRDR Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tWRDD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval tRWSR Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval tCCD Auto Use the lt gt and lt gt keys to adjust the value The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval Latency Timings DRAM RTL CHA DO RO 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 DO RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 13 3 14 DRAM RTL CHA DO R1 Auto Configuration options
145. re information 2 3 2 CPU installation AN 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 ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 37 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 38 2 3 3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 39 Motherboard installation The diagrams in this section are for reference only The motherboard layout may vary with models but the installation steps remain the same mo ES ms y ASUS P9X79 PRO A P9X79 PRO e A EN OO GES ESSE OES ER DO NOT overtighten the screws Doing so can damage the motherboard Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 3 6 ATX Power connection ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 43 2 3 7 SATA device connection OR 2 44 Chapter 2 Hardware information 2 3 8 Front I O Connector To install ASUS Q Connector 0 E Lu 0 LU X To install USB 2 0 Connector To install front panel audio connector y To install USB 3 0 Connector ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 45 2 3 9 Expansion Card installation To
146. re touching any component Before handling components use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object such as the power supply case to avoid damaging them due to static electricity Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them Whenever you uninstall any component place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component Before you install or remove any component ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard peripherals or components ASUS P9X79 PRO 2 1 2 2 Motherboard overview 2 2 1 Motherboard layout 1 2 oooouUb cru ran je DOU CPU OPT EATX12V VRM do DO c m 2 A 11 E E CHA_FAN3 LAN1_USB3_12 So 53 32 2 ISPDIF_O2 PESATA6G12 vL810 USB3_34 1061 BT_USB56 LGA2011 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module o 5 3 O E E 2 o N p fo Y o O 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module 64bit 240 pin module T 5 o le E E Q o t A o o e O A op la A DDR3 DIMM_A1 DDR3 DIMM_A2 DDR3 DIMM_B1 DDR3 DIMM_B2 DDR3 DIMM_D2 DDR3 DIMM_D1 DDR3 DIMM_C2 gt Cc J O a CPU_LED 4 H ASMedia CHA_FAN1 1042 Asmedia PCIEX16_1 Lithium Cell CMOS Power o g 2 F SATA6G_E14 SATA3G
147. s E E Elo SuperTalent weroouxeceoe ecse fos k fo E E AEXEA _ AXAGPSAGK 600S1EVXMP acs x268 fos _ p E am szarom Esme fess fos an mess TE E EK Memory ExwazeL2eBPe repeup faceres fos Jp E E EK Memory EKMaoeLzeBPe rejeue sex fos fo Goodram aRrevoosconG os Jo fernet E El KINGTIGER krecem fe es E EE Musrin focos face tacs fos _ fessa To Te Mushkin ooeeosiewe fece exec fos _ Jossmpos Parot _ Pxrav2Gre00LLKXM rco macs jos _ fossmpos E Parot PassacvevouKae face x2B fos _ Jessah Patiot _ PasaaareoouKa Juss fos 0 fuzopr TE PATRIOT Pasa areoouKa __ ace x2ca_fos 0 ferro fi Patiot__ PvTs6GreooLLKame _foas ex2ca fos _ Jessah T Patriot _ PXS98GT600LLKXMP ece 2xaGB fos _ fossmpos Team TXxDsr02awrs00ce Doe fics ss ran mummmmfosompos Team _ TxDs2odewns00C7 LXMP ecs fos fren romero 7 77 20 fies gt Team rxoazosamicooncs opa Jzos los rm raorawenrsofe ee oa fies Chapter 2 Hardware information P9X79 PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists QVL DDR3 1333 MHz capability Vendors Part No Size SS Chip Brand Chip NO Timing Voltage DIMM socket support Optional DS E eas a e ip eee a DS A DATA rae 1509A acosta susurccawecspa feos ns apoa pees fo jo e o Apacer 7e01G089 0 ico ss Apacer Jamosoessa 9 Apacer__ 7e AtGC6 9Lt_____ 268 DS Apacer amsDssosr
148. setup program speeds if available Exits the BIOS setup program without saving the changes saves the changes and resets the system or enters the Advanced Mode E W A II Lil P9X79 PRO LS ATOS Y Sunday 1 9 2005 i Temperature Lib system Pertormante ertOrmance Energy Saving Use the mouse to drag or keyboard to navigate shortcut rs Quick switch to frequently used menus Selects the boot device priority Displays the system properties of the Boot MenuiFa Default if Power Saving mode Loads optimized default Normal mode ASUS Optimal mode Selects the boot device priority selected mode on the right hand side Z The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system The Boot Menu F8 button is available only when the boot device is installed to the system Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 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 y To access the EZ Mode click Exit then select ASUS EZ Mode Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help turbo Ratio CPU Clock Gen Filter Memory Frequency EPU Power Saving Kode Hanual 2 OC Tuner gt DRAM Timing Control 2 DIGI Power Control CPU Performance Settings CU CORE Voltage 1 008Y Qifset Hode Sig
149. sju O medqns cj ued 004 O sxoyerpey buon usura g uedqns sq ued 04 X SUONBIIJIDOdS SUIMO OJ 9y 0 SULIOJUOS Odd 62X6d JOQUINN 9PoIN PILOQUSUJOIA SWEN JINPOIA yonpoJd y 189 Sorepoop Aqa SSSP SO9 OIS LLLE 6EL OIS ON x q ou0yd 6 SV6 VI Mowry Av AA 3810d105 008 SS9IPPY 200 B8U 19 U 19INdWIOD snsy ouen Aed ajqisuodsoy LLOI 7 UONDOS Z Hed OOH Jed ALINUOANOD HO NOLLVUW IDH
150. socket 2011 Intel 2nd Generation Core i7 Processor Extreme It improves performance by utilizing serial point to point links allowing for increased bandwidth and stability Additionally the X79 comes with 2 SATA 6Gb s and 4 SATA 3Gb s ports for faster data retrieval doubling the bandwidth of current bus systems 3 Way SLI and Quad GPU CrossFireX Support Both SLI and CrossfireX architectures work flawlessly on new ASUS X79 boards with PCI Express slots designed to accommodate the power of up to four current graphics cards Whether for professional graphics work heavy duty multimedia or dedicated gaming more than ample graphics power can be applied whenever needed Quad Channel DDR3 2400 0 C 2133 0 C 1866 1600 1333 1066 MHz Support The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400 0 C 2133 0 C 1866 1600 1333 1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operation system 3D graphics multimedia and Internet applications The quad channel DDR3 architecture quadruple the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance Due to CPU behavior DDR3 2200 2000 1800 MHz memory module will run at DDR3 2133 1866 1600 MHz frequency as default Complete USB 3 0 Integration ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3 0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel 6 USB 3 0 ports in total Experience the latest plug 4 play connectivity at speeds up to 10 times faster than U
151. t According to Intel CPU spec DIMM voltage below 1 65V is recommended to protect the CPU Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency For optimum compatibility we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor Due to the memory address limitation on 32 bit Windows OS when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less For effective use of memory we recommend that you do any of the following Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32 bit Windows OS Install a 64 bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the motherboard However there are differences in memory support specifications on 64 bit Windows OS For more details refer to the Microsoft support site at http support microsoft com kb 929605 en us This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb 64MB chips or less Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit 8 Megabit Mb 1 Megabyte MB The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect SPD which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module Under the default state some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor marked value To operate at the vendor marked or at a higher frequency refer to section 3 4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment For system stability use a more efficient me
152. t and then select Yes Load from Profile Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash Key in the profile number that saved your BIOS settings press lt Enter gt and then select Yes DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure a We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory CPU configuration and BIOS version Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 8 4 ASUS Drive Xpert Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Tool ASUS Drive Xpert gt Drive Xpert Mode Drive Xpert Mode Normal Mode gt SATA 6G E1 Gray gt SATA 6G E2 Gray Z Before using the Drive Xpert function ensure that you have connected the SATA signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors You can only make one Drive Xpert change a time before you save BIOS settings and restart the computer Drive Xpert Mode Normal Mode Allows you to use the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors as normal SATA connectors Super Speed Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives as one single drive partition EZ Backup Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an identical image of data from the SATA6G_E1 drive to the SATA6G_E2 drive AN When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode connect the hard disk to the SATA6G_E1 connector on the motherboard m L Q 43 a K
153. t forget to connect the 4 pin 8 pin EATX12 V power plug otherwise the system will not boot Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power consuming devices The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate If you want to use two or more high end PCI Express x16 cards use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http support asus com PowerSupplyCalculator PSCalculator aspx SLanguage en us for details Chapter 2 Hardware information 10 System panel connector 20 8 pin PANEL This connector supports several chassis mounted functions i LI E Bo IO E E E E PLED SPEAKER d a 300 Qa Q c lt cc xX Lu ul 556 gt 000 J o O a o OOW e O 7 IN 6 p PANEL GE PIN 1 Ho A Co o P9X79 PRO a Ti P lt 4 4 ne e l Oo Oo Ww lt I aa E E Dm poa Ia I IDE_LED PWRSW RESET
154. tem After re entering Windows a message appears indicating the current overclocking result To keep the result click Stop 4 Ifyou did not click Stop in the previous step TurboV s automatically starts further system ES 02m overclocking and stability test gt ee E An animation appears indicating the overclocking process Click Stop if you want to cancel the Overclocking process ESP 5 TurboV automatically adjusts and A o Tuning Successh l saves BIOS settings and restarts the system After re entering Windows a message appears gt 2507 mw indicating auto tuning success e no 03 Click OK to exit 2011 08 18 OK ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 7 4 3 3 DIGI Power Control DIGI Power Control 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 Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch DIGI Power Control by clicking Tool gt DIGI Power Control on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Select CPU Power or DRAM Power to adjust the power control settings CPU Power Application aids Apply all changes immediately ndo all changes without applying Function no Function description CPU Load line Calibration It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system temperature Higher load line calibrat
155. the password the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed User Password If you have set a user password you must enter the user password for accessing the system The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed After you set a password this item shows Installed To set a user password 1 Select the User Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 From the Create New Password box key in a password then press lt Enter gt 3 Confirm the password when prompted To change a user password 1 Select the User Password item and press lt Enter gt 2 From the Enter Current Password box key in the current password then press lt Enter gt 3 From the Create New Password box key in a new password then press lt Enter gt 4 Confirm the password when prompted To clear the user password follow the same steps as in changing a user password but press lt Enter gt when prompted to create confirm the password After you clear the password the User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 4 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking related items A N Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction Z The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard
156. tility main menu select 1 Create RAID Volume and press lt Enter gt The following screen appears CREATE VOLUME MENU Name RAID Level Disks Strip Size Capacity Sync RAIDO Stripe Select Disks 128KB 0 0 GB N A Create Volume Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is 16 characters or less j el ange TAB Next ESC Previous Menu ENTER JE Select Enter a name for the RAID set and press lt Enter gt When the RAID Level item is selected press the up down arrow key to select a RAID level to create and then press lt Enter gt 4 When the Disks item is selected press lt Enter gt to select the hard disk drives you want to include in the RAID set The SELECT DISKS screen appears SELECT DISKS ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 23 5 Use the up down arrow key to select a drive and then press lt Space gt to select A small triangle marks the selected drive Press lt Enter gt after completing your selection 6 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 lt Enter gt The available stripe size values range from 4KB to 128KB The following are typical values RAID 0 128KB RAID 10 64KB RAID 5 64KB aN We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing 7 When the Capacity item is selected
157. ting RAID Array 1 Select the RAID array to delete and press lt Enter gt Select Delete and press lt Enter gt Marvell BIOS Setup c 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd Topology Information HBA 0 Marvell 0 0 Virtual Disks New_VD Functional 0 ST316 j j 64K PD 8 ST316 RAIDO Free Physical Disks 304128MB BGA Status N A Number of PDs 2 Members 08 Help Delete the selected virtual disk Chapter 4 Software support 2 The following warning message appears Delete Virtual Disk Do you want to delete this virtual disk Press lt Y gt to delete the selected RAID array The following warning message appears Delete MBR Do you want to delete MBR from this virtual disk es fo Press lt Y gt to delete the Master Boot Record MBR from the selected RAID array 3 Press lt F10 gt The following warning message appears Exit Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup Press lt Y gt to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility ia U 4 O K em UO ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 29 4 5 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 aN 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
158. torage devices AHCI Mode Set to AHCI Mode when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the AHCI Advanced Host Controller Interface The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to internally optimize the order of commands RAID Mode Set to RAID Mode when you want to create a RAID configuration from the SATA hard disk drives S M A R T Status Check Enabled S M A R T Self Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology is a monitor system When read write of your hard disk errors occur this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST Configuration options Disabled Enabled SATA6G_1 Gray 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 SATA6G_2 Gray 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 SATA3G_3 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 SATA3G_4 Blue Hot Plug Disabled This item appear only when you set the
159. ttings except in the following circumstances An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to run the BIOS Setup You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or update 0 Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot We strongly recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel c 3 2 BIOS setup program A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modification When you start up the computer the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program Press lt Del gt during the Power On Self Test POST to enter the Setup utility Otherwise POST continues with its test routines If you wish to enter Setup after POST press lt Ctrl gt lt Alt gt lt Delete gt or press the reset button on the system chassis to restart the system You can also turn the system off and then turn it back on to restart the system Do this last option only if the first two failed LN The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only and may not exactly match what you see on your screen Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability Select the Load Optimi
160. ued Description Reserved for ASL see ASL Status Codes section below Ready To Boot event Legacy Boot event Exit Boot Services event Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End Legacy Option ROM Initialization System Reset USB hot plug PCI bus hot plug Clean up of NVRAM Configuration Reset reset of NVRAM settings Reserved for future AMI codes CPU initialization error System Agent initialization error PCH initialization error Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available PCI resource allocation error Out of Resources No Space for Legacy Option ROM No Console Output Devices are found No Console Input Devices are found Invalid password Error loading Boot Option Loadlmage returned error Boot Option is failed Startlmage returned error Flash update is failed Reset protocol i is not available ACPI ASL Checkpoints Description System is entering S1 sleep state System is entering S2 sleep state System is entering S3 sleep state System is entering S4 sleep state System is entering S5 sleep state System is waking up from the S1 sleep state System is waking up from the 2 sleep state System is waking up from the S3 sleep state System is waking up from the S4 sleep state System has transitioned into ACPI mode Interrupt controller is in PIC mode System has transitioned into ACPI mode
161. values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 25 3 26 DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHD Auto Allows you to set the DRAM Control Reference Voltage on Channel C D The values range from 0 3950x to 0 6300x with a 0 005x interval Different ratio might enhance DRAM overclocking ability CPU Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the BCLK overclocking ability Enabled Sets to Enabled for EMI control PCIE Spread Spectrum Auto Disabled Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability Enabled Sets to Enabled for EMI control 3 5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices AN Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction Ce Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor CPU Configuration Parameters gt CPU Configuration gt PCH Configuration gt SATA Configuration gt SAS Configuration gt USB Configuration gt Onboard Devices gt APM gt lt Select Screen Select Item Enter Select Change Opt Fi General Help F2 Previous Values F5 Optimized Defaults Fio Save ESC Exit Version 2 10 1208 Copyright C 2011 American Megatrends Inc Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 5 1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU related information that the BIOS automati
162. venient updating feature Launching ASUS Update After installing Al Suite II from the motherboard support DVD launch ASUS Update by clicking Update gt ASUS Update on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Using ASUS Update Select the way you would like to do with the BIOS utility Click on Next and follow the instructions to complete your request Update BIOS from Internet Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website www asus com and follow the suggested procedures to update the BIOS version on your system Download BIOS from Internet Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website www asus com and save for later use Update BIOS from file Use the BIOS utility demanded from a source file to update the BIOS version on your system Save BIOS to file Back up the current BIOS utility on your system to another file or USB disk to save for later use There may be risks of system crash when updating BIOS Backing up the original BIOS utility is recommended before updating ASUS P9X79 PRO 4 17 4 18 4 3 11 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 Al Suite Il from the motherboard support DVD launch MyLogo by clicking Update gt MyLogo on the Al Suite Il main menu bar Y eee M5 M yLoOgo
163. xs before the two items on the screen 3 Select the BIOS version that you want to download Click Next upama mion trom Eira 4 You can decide whether to change a ea a the BIOS boot logo which is the pila free rd image appearing on screen during the Power On Self Tests POST Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo or No to continue 5 Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process 3 46 Chapter 3 BIOS setup 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 Sm oO Z The screenshots in this section are for reference only The actual BIOS information vary by models Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www asus com for detailed software configuration ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 47 3 48 3 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 y Before you start using this utility download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www asus com To update the
164. y After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers enable the SLI feature in NVIDIA Control Panel under the Windows Vista operating system Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods A Right click on the empty space of the Windows desktop View gt and select NVIDIA Control Panel Sort By The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears See Step B5 Refresh Paste Paste Shortcut New gt Ee Personalize ASUS P9X79 PRO 5 5 B1 If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step icon gt A select Personalize Sort By Refresh Paste Paste Shortcut Undo Copy Ctrl Z B2 From the Personalization window select Display Settings PU AA oral pores A Va m Cite ond Mopar em Firetree Coke sad ma 1 pos ends P Cmd ba d poaa Owaa e ernie lengan do a Label amp nr ee ow be mo te mna e a a ma o ii e e ei apps ee yr ll alho ter tet pipi ad me q Dee ds es head a pe Ot ryt ng Sem qu ya mad te me vee Macy da Be 2 ta ae o am End me eame seme Ta nen ee ee om ettm n idge among Change e frame eens cee compro cate dd Cee amp One oe do epee id Gz a sian cga the dss do ere a Mo Ger A a Da omen ta bo vom aa B3 From the Display Settings dialog box click Advanced Settings 1 Genenc Pn Monitor on NWIDIA Geforce 8600 GTS r it ES my Main monitor Edend the d
165. y 12 Clock Delay 14 Clock DRAM IOL CHA D1 R1 Auto Configuration options Auto 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 DRAM RTL CHB DO RO 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 CHB DO RO Auto Configuration options Auto 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 Chapter 3 BIOS setup DRAM RTL CHB DO R1 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 CHB DO R1 Auto Configuration options Auto Advance 7 Clock Advance 6 Clock Advance 5 Clock Advance 4 Clock Advance 3 Clock Advance 2 Clock Adv
166. ys or lt Page Up gt lt Page Down gt keys to display the other items on the screen Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup program Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item Configuration fields These fields show the values for the menu items If an item is user configurable you can change the value of the field opposite the item You cannot select an item that is not user configurable A configurable field is highlighted when selected To change the value of a field select it and press lt Enter gt to display a list of options Chapter 3 BIOS setup 3 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 System Language System Date System Time gt Security Security fy Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Choose the system default language English Tuesday 08 09 2011 16 46 15 The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings Ai Tweaker Advanced Monitor Main Security gt To clear the administrator password key in the current password in the Enter Current Password box and t
167. zed Defaults item under the Exit menu See section 3 9 Exit Menu for details If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value See section 2 3 10 Rear Panel connection for information on how to erase the RTC RAM The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible Being a menu driven program it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse 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 ASUS P9X79 PRO 3 1 3 2 3 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 To access the Advanced Mode click Exit Advanced Mode then select Advanced Mode Z The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed Refer to the ae Setup Mode item in section 3 7 Boot memu for details Displays the CPU motherboard temperature CPU V 3 3V 12V voltage output CPU CPU_OPT Chassis fan speed Selects the display language of Clicks to display all fan the BIOS

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