Asus P7F C User Manual

P7F-C Series  
P7F-C/SAS  
P7F-C/4L  
 
Contents  
Chapter 1:  
Chapter 2:  
iii  
Contents  
Chapter 3:  
Chapter 4:  
iv  
Contents  
Chapter 5:  
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................... 5-5  
Exiting the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager .................... 5-12  
v
Contents  
Chapter 6:  
Intel® chipset device installation .............................................. 6-19  
Windows® Server 2003 ................................................. 6-23  
Appendix:  
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  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class 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:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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 digital 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, Authorization, and Restriction  
of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our  
products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.  
vii  
 
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 professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure 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, make sure 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.  
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,  
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not  
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic  
products.  
viii  
 
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This user guide contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technologies it supports.  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
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: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down  
the system.  
Chapter 4: 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 5: RAID configuration  
This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and configuring  
RAID sets using the available utilities.  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for  
different system components.  
Appendix: Reference information  
This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when  
configuring the motherboard.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
2.  
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.  
ix  
 
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure 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 complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Italics  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-  
than sign means that you must press the  
enclosed key.  
<Key>  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press  
the Enter or Return key.  
<Key1+Key2+Key3>  
If you must press two or more keys  
simultaneously, the key names are linked with  
a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command  
exactly as shown, then supply the required  
item or value enclosed in brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the  
format A:/S  
command line:  
x
 
P7F-C Series specifications summary  
Model Name  
P7F-C/SAS  
P7F-C/4L  
Processor / System Bus  
1 * Socket LGA1156  
Quad Core Intel Xeon 3400 series Server Processor  
Quad Core Intel Core i7-800 series Desktop Processor  
Quad Core Intel Core i5-700 series Desktop Processor  
Dual Core 32nm CPU design Ready  
Dual Core/Quad Core  
Intel® 3420 PCH  
ATX, 12" * 9.6"  
Core Logic  
Form Factor  
ASUS Features FAN speed  
control  
V
V
V
Rack Ready  
(Rack and  
Pedestal dual  
use)  
V
ASWM2.0  
V
V
Memory  
Total Slots  
Capacity  
6/4 (RDIMM/UDIMM)  
Maximum up to 32GB (RDIMM)  
Maximum up to 16GB (UDIMM )  
Desktop Processor do not support RDIMM nor ECC  
UDIMM  
Memory Type  
Memory Size  
DDR3 1066/1333 Unbuffered DIMM with ECC/  
non ECC**  
DDR3 800/1066/1333 Reg DIMM  
1 GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB (RDIMM)  
1 GB, 2GB, 4GB (UDIMM)  
Expansion Slots Total PCI/PCI-X/  
6
6
(follow SSI  
PCI-E Slots  
Loacation #)  
Slot Loacation 1 1 * PCI 32bit/33 MHz  
Slot Loacation 2 1 * PCI 32bit/33 MHz  
Slot Loacation 3 1 * PCI 32bit/33 MHz  
Slot Loacation 4 1 * PCI-E x16 (Gen2 x8 link)  
Slot Loacation 5 1 * PCI 32bit/33 MHz  
Slot Loacation 6 1 * PCI-E x16 (Gen2 x8 link)  
Storage  
SATA Controller Intel® 3420:  
6* SATA2 300MB/s ports -  
Intel Matrix Storage utility supports software RAID 0, 1,  
10 & 5(Windows)  
LSI MegaRAID driver supports software RAID 0, 1&  
10(Windows & Linux) (P7F-C/4L only)  
SAS Controller LSI 1068E 8-port SAS  
controller:  
LSI® Integrated RAID 0, 1,  
1E support  
Networking  
Graphic  
LAN  
VGA  
2 * Marvell® 8056 PCI-E  
4 * Marvell® 8056 PCI-E  
GbE LAN  
GbE LAN  
XGI® Z9s DDR2 64MB  
xi  
 
P7F-C Series specifications summary  
Onboard I/O  
Connectors  
PSU Connector 24-pin ATX power connector + 8-pin ATX 12V power  
connector  
24+4 pin power supply supported  
USB Connectors 3 (support 5 USB port)  
(One for internal Type A USB connector )  
Fan Header  
5* 4pin  
Chassis Intruder 1  
1
1
Serial Port  
Header  
1
1
2
Rear I/O  
Connectors  
External Serial  
Port  
1
2
External USB  
Port  
VGA Port  
RJ-45  
1
1
2
4
PS/2 KB/Mouse  
Software  
1
1
Management  
Solution  
ASWM2.0  
ASWM2.0  
Monitoring  
CPU  
Temperature  
V
V
V
V
FAN RPM  
Environment  
Operation temperature: 10℃—35℃  
Non operation temperature: -40℃—70℃  
Non operation humidity: 20%—90% ( Non condensing)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xii  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
1.4  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-3  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-3  
Serial number label...................................................................... 1-4  
Special features............................................................................ 1-4  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7F-C Series motherboard!  
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.  
Standard Gift Box  
Pack  
Standard Bulk Pack  
P7F-C Series  
Cables  
SATA data cable  
IO shield  
6
1
1
1
1
--  
1
1
1
1
Accessories  
Plate for LGA1156 (1U)  
Application CD Support CD  
Documentation User Guide  
Packing Qty.  
1pc per carton  
10pcs per carton  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
1-3  
1.3  
Serial number label  
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take  
note of the motherboard's serial number containing 13 characters xxS2xxxxxxxxx  
shown as the figure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS  
Technical Support team members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution  
to your problems.  
P7F-C Series  
Made  
in  
China  
合格  
xxS2xxxxxxxxx  
1.4  
Special features  
1.4.1  
Product highlights  
Intel® LGA1156 Xeon 3400 Processor Ready  
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Xeon 3400 processors in LGA1156  
package, which has memory and PCI Express controller integrated to support  
2-channel (6 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0 lanes, providing great  
graphics performance. Intel® Xeon 3400 processor is one of the most powerful and  
energy efficient CPU in the world.  
Intel Turbo Boost  
Intel® Turbo Boost opportunistically and automatically allows the processor to  
run faster than the marked frequency if the processor is operating below power,  
temperature and current limits. This technology increases performance of both  
multi-threaded and single-threaded workloads.  
Intel Hyper Threading  
The thread-level parallelism on each processor makes more efficient use of the  
processor resources, higher processing throughout and improved performance on  
today's multi-threaded software.  
Intel® EM64T  
The motherboard supports Intel® processors with the Intel® EM64T (Extended  
Memory 64 Technology). The Intel® EM64T feature allows your computer to run on  
64-bit operating systems and access larger amounts of system memory for faster  
and more efficient computing.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR3 memory support  
The P7F-C Series supports UDIMM and RDIMM DDR3 memory that features  
data transfer rates of 1333/1066 MHZ to meet the higher bandwidth requirements  
of server and workstation applications. The 2-channel DDR3 architecture boosts  
system performance, eliminating bottlenecks. Furthermore, the supply voltage for  
the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to just 1.5V for DDR3. This voltage  
reduction limits the power consumption and heat generation of DDR3 which makes  
it an ideal memory solution.  
PCIe 2.0  
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed  
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward  
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices.  
Marvell 88E8056 LAN Solution  
The motherboard comes with dual/quad Gigabit LAN controllers and ports which  
provide a total solution for your networking needs. The onboard Marvell 88E8056  
Gigabit LAN controllers use the PCI Express interface and could achieve network  
throughput close to Gigabit bandwidth.  
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) technology support  
(P7F-C/SAS model only)  
SAS is the latest storage interface for enterprise-class storage devices. Building  
on and improving the parallel SCSI foundation, SAS is the new industry standard  
that includes Serial ATA interoperability, and is projected to be the successor of the  
Ultra320 SCSI technology.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST)  
The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) intelligently manages the  
CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core frequency  
depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power requirement.  
Serial ATA II technology  
The motherboard supports the Serial ATA II 3 Gb/s technology through the Serial  
ATA interface and Intel 3420 chipset. The Serial ATA II specification provides  
twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with a host of new  
features, including Native Command Queuing (NCQ), Power Management (PM)  
Implementation Algorithm, and Hot Swap. Serial ATA allows thinner, more flexible  
cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage requirements.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
1-5  
USB 2.0 technology  
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification,  
dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB  
1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.  
Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring  
The CPU temperature is monitored to prevent overheating and damage. The  
system fan rotations per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely failure detection.  
The chip monitors the voltage levels to ensure stable supply of current for critical  
components.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter lists the hardware setup  
procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It  
includes description of the jumpers and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
Hardware  
2
information  
Chapter summary  
2
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-3  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-9  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-15  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17  
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-21  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change  
any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components 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 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, and/or  
components.  
Onboard LED  
1.  
Standby Power LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up  
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a  
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable  
before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration  
below shows the location of the onboard LED.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-3  
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
To optimize the motherboard features, we highly recommend that you install it in an  
ATX 1.1 compliant chassis.  
Ensure to unplug the chassis power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components!  
2.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the  
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis  
as indicated in the image below.  
2.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
P7F-C/SAS  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-5  
P7F-C/4L  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.2.4  
Layout contents  
Slots/Soocket  
Page  
2-9  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
CPU sockets  
DDR3 sockets  
2-15  
2-19  
2-19  
PCI Express x 16 slot (x8 link)  
PCI slots  
Jumpers  
Page  
2-21  
2-22  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)  
VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1))  
CPU Fan and Chassis Fan control setting  
(3-pin CPUFAN_SEL1, CHAFAN_SEL1)  
2-22  
2-23  
2-23  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2)  
(LAN_SW3, LAN_SW4 P7F-C/4L Model only)  
RAID configuration utility selection (3-pin RAID_SEL1)  
(P7F-C/4L Model only)  
Onboard storage setting (3-pin SAS_SW1)  
(P7F-C/SAS Model only)  
2-24  
2-24  
Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1)  
Rear panel connectors  
Page  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
PS/2 mouse port (green)  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2  
Serial (COM1) port  
Video Graphics Adapter port  
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-7  
Internal connectors  
Page  
2-26  
2-26  
2-27  
1.  
Serial ATA connectors  
(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4; RED)  
(7-pin SATA5, SATA6; Black)  
2.  
3.  
Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1)  
SAS connectors  
(7-pin SAS1, SAS2, SAS3, SAS4; RED)  
(7-pin SAS5, SAS6, SAS7, SAS8; Blue) (P7F-C/SAS model only)  
4.  
5.  
6.  
USB connector (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; A-Type USB7)  
2-27  
2-28  
Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1)  
Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors  
(6-1 pin SGPIO2/3) (P7F-C/SAS model only)  
2-28  
2-29  
7.  
8.  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)  
CPU, front and rear fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3,  
REAR_FAN1)  
2-29  
2-30  
9.  
ATX power connectors  
(24-pin EATXPWR1, 8-pin EATX12V1)  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1)  
Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT1)  
2-31  
2-31  
2-32  
2-33  
System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1)  
Auxiliary panel connector (20-2 pin AUX_PANEL1)  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the  
Intel® Xeon 3400 series Processors.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on  
the socket and 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 LGA1156 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.  
2.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing toward you and  
the load lever is on your left.  
2.  
Press the load lever with your  
thumb (A), and then move it to the  
right (B) until it is released from the  
retention tab.  
Load lever  
A
B
To prevent damage to the socket  
pins, do not remove the PnP cap  
unless you are installing a CPU.  
Retention tab  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-9  
3.  
4.  
5.  
Lift the load lever in the direction  
of the arrow until the load plate is  
completely lifted.  
Load plate  
Remove the PnP cap from the CPU  
socket.  
PnP cap  
Cap tab  
Position the CPU over the socket,  
ensuring that the gold triangle is on  
the bottom-left corner of the socket,  
and then fit the socket alignment  
keys into the CPU notches.  
CPU notches  
The CPU fits in only one correct  
orientation. DO NOT force the  
CPU into the socket to prevent  
bending the connectors on the  
socket and damaging the CPU!  
Gold  
triangle  
mark  
Alignment keys  
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
6.  
Apply some Thermal Interface  
Material to the exposed area of  
the CPU that the heatsink will be  
in contact with, ensuring that it is  
spread in an even thin layer.  
Some heatsinks come with pre-  
applied thermal paste. If so, skip  
this step.  
The Thermal Interface Material is  
toxic and inedible. DO NOT eat it.  
If it gets into your eyes or touches  
your skin, wash it off immediately,  
and seek professional medical  
help.  
7.  
Close the load plate (A), and then  
push down the load lever (B),  
ensuring that the front edge of the  
load plate slides under the retention  
knob (C).  
B
A
C
8.  
Insert the load lever under the  
retention tab.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-11  
2.3.2  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan  
The Intel® LGA1156 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan  
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.  
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan  
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use  
only Intel®-certified multi-directional heatsink and fan.  
Your Intel® LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin  
design and requires no tool to install.  
Use an LGA1156-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The  
LGA1156 socket is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in  
size and dimension.  
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the  
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU  
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.  
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install  
the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
A
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the  
installed CPU, making sure that the  
four fasteners match the holes on  
the motherboard.  
B
B
2.  
Push down two fasteners at a time  
in a diagonal sequence to secure  
the heatsink and fan assembly in  
place.  
A
A
B
1
B
A
1
Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to  
the CPU fan connector.  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled  
CPU_FAN1.  
DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors  
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
2.3.3  
Uninstalling the CPU  
heatsink and fan  
A
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:  
B
B
1.  
2.  
3.  
Disconnect the CPU fan cable from  
the connector on the motherboard.  
Rotate each fastener  
counterclockwise.  
A
Pull up two fasteners at a time in a  
diagonal sequence to disengage the  
heatsink and fan assembly from the  
motherboard.  
A
B
B
A
4.  
Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-13  
2.3.4  
Installing the CPU heatsink in rack  
The Intel® 1156 processors require a specially designed heatsink to ensure  
optimum thermal condition and performance.  
Ensure that you use qualified heatsink assembly only.  
Ensure that you have applied the thermal interface material to the top of the  
CPU before installing the heatsink.  
1.  
Peel off the sticker on the heatsink metal plate and affix the plate to the back  
of the motherboard, matching the standoffs to the heatsink screw holes.  
2.  
Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the four heatsink screws in a diagonal  
sequence.  
Ensure that the heatsink is not skewed or tilted, otherwise the CPU will overheat.  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2-14  
2.4  
System memory  
2.4.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with six Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is  
notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules  
are developed for better performance with less power consumption.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:  
2.4.2  
Memory Configurations  
You may install 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB Registerd, or 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB  
Unbuffered with ECC/Non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the  
memory configurations in this section.  
RDIMM*  
DIMM Slot DIMM Populated DIMM Type  
Per Channel per Channel  
Speed  
Rank per DIMM  
3
1
1
2
2
3
Registered DDR3 ECC 1333  
Single Rank, Dual Rank  
Quad Rank  
3
Registered DDR3 ECC 1066  
Registered DDR3 ECC 1333  
Registered DDR3 ECC 800**  
Registered DDR3 ECC 800**  
3
Single Rank, Dual Rank  
Quad Rank  
3
3
Single Rank, Dual Rank  
UDIMM  
DIMM Slot DIMM Populated DIMM Type  
Per Channel per Channel  
Speed  
Rank per DIMM  
2
2
1
2
Unbuffered DDR3  
Unbuffered DDR3  
1333  
1333  
Single Rank, Dual Rank  
Single Rank, Dual Rank  
*Support Low Voltage DIMMs; **Down from 1066 or 1333 MHz DIMM  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum  
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the  
same vendor. DO NOT combine RDIMM and UDIMM.  
The motherboard supports x8 DRAM Only and x4 & x16 DRAM are not  
supported  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-15  
2.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the  
motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
3
1.  
2.  
Press the retaining clips outward  
DDR3 DIMM notch  
to unlock a DIMM socket.  
Align a DIMM on the socket  
1
1
such that the notch on the DIMM  
matches the break on the socket.  
3.  
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips  
snap back in place and the DIMM  
is properly seated.  
Unlocked retaining clip  
A DDR3 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO  
NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
The DDR3 DIMM sockets do not support DDR and DDR2 DIMMs. DO NOT  
install DDR or DDR2 DIMMs to the DDR3 DIMM sockets.  
2.4.4  
Removing a DIMM  
To remove a DIMM:  
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining  
DDR3 DIMM notch  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
1
1
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing the  
retaining clips. The DIMM might  
get damaged when it flips out  
with extra force.  
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.5  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections  
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
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.  
2.5.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with  
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a  
chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw  
for later use.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is  
completely seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
2.5.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the software  
settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See  
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
3.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share  
IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will  
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card  
inoperable.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-17  
2.5.3  
Interrupt assignments  
Standard Interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
0
Priority Standard function  
1
System Timer  
1
2
Keyboard Controller  
2
-
Programmable Interrupt  
Communications Port (COM2)  
Communications Port (COM1)  
--  
3*  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
4*  
5*  
6
Floppy Disk Controller  
--  
7*  
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
ACPI Mode when used  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering  
PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port  
Numeric Data Processor  
Primary IDE Channel  
Secondary IDE Channel  
9*  
4
10*  
11*  
12*  
13  
14*  
15*  
5
6
7
8
9
10  
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.5.4  
PCI Express x16 slots (x8 link)  
The onboard PCI Express x16 slots provide x8 link to CPU. These slots support  
VGA cards and various server class high performance add-on cards.  
2.5.5  
PCI slots  
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, USB card, and other cards that  
comply with PCI 2.3 specifications.  
PCI Express x16 slot  
(x8 link)  
PCI slot  
PCI Express x16 slot  
(x8 link)  
PCI slot  
PCI slot  
PCI slot  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-19  
2.5.6  
Installing i Button  
Follow the steps below to install an optional i Button on your motherboard.  
1.  
Locate the I Button slot on the  
motherboard.  
2.  
Snap the I Button in place.  
2.5.7  
Connect Thermal sensor cable  
Follow the steps below to connect the thermal sensor cable to the connector on  
your motherboard.  
1.  
Locate the TR1 connector on the  
motherboard.  
2.  
Connect the thermal sensor cable to  
the connector.  
3.  
Place the other end of the thermal sensor cable to the device you would like  
to monitor temperature.  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.6  
Jumpers  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.  
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters  
by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery  
powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such  
as system passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1–2 (default) to pins 2–3. Keep the cap  
on pins 2–3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1–2.  
3. Plug the power cord and the computer turns on automatically.  
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup  
to re-enter data.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper  
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the  
jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance,  
reinstall the battery.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-21  
2.  
VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard VGA controller. Set  
to pins 1–2 to activate the VGA feature.  
3.  
CPU Fan and Chassis Fan control setting  
(3-pin CPUFAN_SEL1, CHAFAN_SEL1)  
These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection. The CPUFAN_SEL1  
jumper is for the CPU fan control and the CHAFAN_SEL1 jumper is for the  
front fans and rear fans control. Set to pins 1–2 when using 4-pin fans or pins  
2–3 when using 3-pin fans.  
If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 2-3, the fan you installed  
may not work.  
If you use a 3-pin fan but set the jumper for a 4-pin fan, the fan control will  
not work and the fan you installed will always run at full speed.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
4.  
LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2)  
(LAN_SW3, LAN_SW4 P7F-C/4L model only)  
These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the onboard Marvell® 88E8056  
Gigabit LAN controllers. Set to pins 1–2 to activate the Gigabit LAN feature.  
3
4
5.  
RAID configuration utility selection (3-pin RAID_SEL1)  
(P7F-C/4L model only)  
This jumper allows you to select the RAID configuration utility to use when  
you create disk arrays. Place the jumper caps over pins 1–2 if you want to  
use the LSI Logic Embedded SATA RAID Setup Utility (default); otherwise,  
place the jumper caps to pins 2–3 to use the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-23  
6.  
Onboard storage setting (3-pin SAS_SW1) (P7F-C/SAS model only)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard LSI1068E SAS  
controller. Set the jumper to pins 1–2 to enable the SAS function (default).  
7.  
Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1)  
This jumper allows you to quickly update or recover the BIOS settings when it  
becomes corrupted.  
To update the BIOS:  
1. Set the jumper to pins 2–3.  
2. Insert the USB flash that contains the original or latest BIOS and turn on  
the system to recover or update the BIOS.  
3. Shut down the system.  
4. Set the jumper back to pins 1–2.  
5. Turn on the system.  
2-24  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.7  
Connectors  
2.7.1  
Rear panel connectors  
1.  
2.  
3.  
PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Serial (COM1) port. This 9-pin communication port is for pointing devices or  
other serial devices.  
Video Graphics Adapter port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-  
compatible devices.  
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area  
Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN  
port LED indications.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area  
Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN  
port LED indications.  
LAN 3 (RJ-45) port. (P7F-C/4L model only) This port allows Gigabit  
connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to  
the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
LAN 4 (RJ-45) port. (P7F-C/4L model only) This port allows Gigabit  
connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to  
the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
LAN port LED indications  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
LED LED  
Activity/Link LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
No link  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
GREEN  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
Data activity  
LAN port  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-25  
2.7.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Serial ATA connectors  
(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4; RED)  
(7-pin SATA5, SATA6; Black)  
Supported by the Intel® 3420 chipset, these connectors are for the Serial ATA  
signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives that allows up to 3Gb/s of data  
transfer rate.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,  
RAID 10, or RAID 5 configuration.  
The actual data transfer rate depends on the speed of Serial ATA hard disks  
installed.  
The SATA connectors do not support SATA cables with latch.  
2.  
Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1)  
This LED connector is for the storage add-on card cable connected to  
the SATA or SAS add-on card. The read or write activities of any device  
connected to the SATA or SAS add-on card causes the front panel LED to  
light up.  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
SAS connectors  
(7-pin SAS1, SAS2, SAS3, SAS4; Red)  
(7-pin SAS5, SAS6, SAS7, SAS8; Blue) (P7F-C/SAS model only)  
This motherboard comes with eight (8) Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)  
connectors, the next-generation storage technology that supports both Serial  
Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA (SATA). Each connector supports one  
device.  
4.  
USB connector (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; A-Type USB7)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cables to  
connectors USB34 and USB56, then install the modules 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.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-27  
5.  
Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1)  
This connector is used for the SGPIO peripherals for the LSI MegaRAID and  
Intel Matrix RAID SATA LED.  
6.  
Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors (8-1 pin SGPIO2/3)  
(P7F-C/SAS model only)  
These connector is used for the SAS chip SGPIO interface that controls the  
LED pattern generation, device information and general purpose data.  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
7.  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)  
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module  
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back  
of the system chassis.  
8.  
CPU, front and rear fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1, FRNT_FAN2, FRNT_FAN3, REAR_FAN1)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA–740 mA (8.88 W max.)  
or a total of 1.75 A–3.7 A (44.4 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to  
the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each  
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient  
air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.  
These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!  
All fans feature the ASUS Fan Speed Control technology.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-29  
9.  
ATX power connectors  
(24-pin EATXPWR1, 8-pin EATX12V1)  
These connectors are for an 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.  
DO NOT forget to connect the 24+8-pin power plugs; otherwise, the system  
will not boot up.  
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.  
This motherboard supports ATX2.0 PSU or later version.  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum  
power required by your system.  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
10. Thermal sensor cable connectors (3-pin TR1)  
This connector is for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor  
cable to this connector and place the other end to the device, which you want  
to monitor temperature.  
11. Parallel port connector (26-1 pin LPT1)  
This connector is for a parallel port. Connect the parallel port module cable  
to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the  
system chassis.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-31  
12. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
1. System power LED (3-pin PLED)  
This 3-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.  
2. Message LED (2-pin MLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to  
the front message LED. The message LED is controlled by Hardware  
monitor to indicate an abnormal event occurance.  
3. 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.  
4. Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDDLED)  
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.  
5. 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.  
6. 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.  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
13. Auxiliary panel connector (20-pin AUX_PANEL1)  
This connector is for additional front panel features including front panel  
SMB, locator LED and switch, chassis intrusion, and LAN LEDs.  
1. Front panel SMB (6-1 pin FPSMB)  
These leads connect the front panel SMBus cable.  
2. LAN activity LED (2-pin LAN1_LED, LAN2_LED)  
These leads are for Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel.  
3. Chassis intrusion (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
These leads are for the intrusion detection feature for chassis with  
intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis  
component, the sensor triggers and sends a high-level signal to these  
leads to record a chassis intrusion event. The default setting is short  
CASEOPEN and GND pin by jumper cap to disable the function.  
4. Locator LED (2-pin LOCATORLED1 and 2-pin LOCATORLED2)  
These leads are for the locator LED1 and LED2 on the front panel.  
Connect the Locator LED cables to these 2-pin connector. The LEDs will  
light up when the Locator button is pressed.  
5. Locator Button/Swich (2-pin LOCATORBTN)  
These leads are for the locator button on the front panel. This button  
queries the state of the system locator.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
2-33  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter describes the power up  
sequence, and ways of shutting down the  
system.  
Powering up  
3
Chapter summary  
3
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-3  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-4  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
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.  
4.  
5.  
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge  
protector.  
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 SSI power supplies, the system LED lights up  
when you press the SSI power button. If your monitor complies with “green”  
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up  
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self-test or POST. While the tests are  
running, the BIOS beeps 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.  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 4.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
3-3  
3.2  
Powering off the computer  
3.2.1  
Using the OS shut down function  
If you are using Windows® 2003 Server:  
1.  
2.  
Click the Start button then click Shut Down.  
Select Shut Down from the What do you want the computer to do? list  
box.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
Select Shutdown Event Tracker.  
Ensure that the Planned check box is checked.  
Select shutdown option from the list box.  
If necessary, key in comments.  
Click OK.  
3.2.2  
Using the dual function power switch  
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts  
the system to sleep mode or to 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. Refer to section 4.5 Power Menu in  
Chapter 4 for details.  
3-4  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter tells how to change the  
system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS  
parameters are also provided.  
BIOS setup  
4
Chapter summary  
4
4.1  
4.2  
4.3  
4.4  
4.5  
4.6  
4.7  
4.8  
4.9  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-7  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-10  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-16  
Server menu ............................................................................... 4-29  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-31  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-34  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-38  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-39  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic  
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup:  
1.  
2.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a USB flash disk.)  
BUPDATER utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable USB  
flash disk drive.)  
3.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (To recover the BIOS using a bootable USB flash  
disk drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable  
USB flash  
in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original  
disk drive  
motherboard BIOS using the BUPDATER utility.  
4.1.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use  
a DOS-based utility.  
Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS  
website at www.asus.com.  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2  
1.  
2.  
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.  
Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2  
and press <Enter> to enable it.  
Or, press <Alt> + <F2> during the POST to enable EZ Flash 2.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.34  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A  
Update ROM  
Current ROM  
BOARD: P7F-C Series  
VER: 0104  
BOARD: P7F C SAS  
VER: 0201  
DATE: 11/13/2009  
DATE: 10/23/2009  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
[Tab] Switch  
[B] Backup  
[V] Drive Info  
[Esc] Exit  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-3  
3.  
Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS file is  
found. When found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and  
automatically reboots the system when done.  
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16  
format and single partition only.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent  
system boot failure!  
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and  
stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See  
section 4.9 Exit Menu for details.  
4.1.2  
BUPDATER utility  
The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS screen  
displays may not be the same as shown.  
The BUPDATER utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment  
using a bootable USB flash disk drive with the updated BIOS file.  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using the BUPDATER utility:  
1.  
2.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com and download the latest BIOS file  
for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable USB flash disk drive.  
Copy the BUPDATER utility (BUPDATER.exe) from the ASUS support  
website at support.asus.com to the bootable USB flash disk drive you created  
earlier.  
3.  
Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt, type:  
BUPDATER /i[filename].ROM  
where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable USB  
flash disk drive, then press <Enter>.  
A:\>BUPDATER /i[file name].ROM  
4-4  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.  
The utility verifies the file, then starts updating the BIOS file.  
ASUSTek BIOS Update for DOS V1.06 (09/08/04)  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A  
Update ROM  
Current ROM  
BOARD: P7F-C Series  
VER: 0205  
BOARD: P7F-C Series  
VER: 0206  
DATE: 08/10/2009  
DATE: 07/23/2009  
PATH:  
WARNING! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Note  
Writing BIOS:  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent  
system boot failure!  
5.  
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is  
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.  
The BIOS update is finished! Please restart your system.  
C:\>  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-5  
4.1.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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  
update a corrupted BIOS file using a USB flash drive that contains the updated  
BIOS file.  
Prepare a USB flash drive containing the updated motherboard BIOS before  
using this utility.  
Recovering the BIOS from a USB flash drive  
To recover the BIOS from a USB flash drive:  
1.  
2.  
Insert the USB flash drive with the original or updated BIOS file to one USB  
port on the system.  
The utility will automatically recover the BIOS. It resets the system when the  
BIOS recovery finished.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS! Doing so  
would cause system boot failure!  
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.  
Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.2  
BIOS setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update  
using the provided utility described in section 4.1 Managing and updating your  
BIOS.  
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring  
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure  
your system using this utility.  
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the  
configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the  
security password feature or change the power management settings. This  
requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the  
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the  
firmware chip.  
The firmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up  
the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.  
Press <Del> 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, restart the system by pressing  
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can  
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if  
the first two failed.  
The 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 sub-menus and make  
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.  
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions  
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after  
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the  
Exit Menu. See section 4.9 Exit Menu.  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for  
this motherboard.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-7  
4.2.1  
Menu items  
Main  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
Advanced  
Server  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Time  
System Date  
[13:44:30]  
[Wed, 11/25/2009]  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system Date.  
SATA 1  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
SATA 5  
SATA 6  
:
:
:
:
:
:
[ST3160812AS]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
Select Item  
Change Field  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
Tab Select Field  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Sub-menu items Navigation keys  
4.2.2  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For changing the advanced server settings  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
For changing the advanced power management (APM)  
configuration  
Boot  
Tools  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For configuring options for special functions  
Exit  
For selecting the exit options and loading default  
settings  
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard  
until the desired item is highlighted.  
4.2.3  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that  
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change  
the settings.  
The navigation keys differ from one screen to another.  
4-8  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.2.4  
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the  
menu bar displays the specific  
items for that menu. For  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
Date.  
System Time  
System Date  
[11:17:09]  
[Wed 11/25/2009]  
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
example, selecting Main shows  
the Main menu items.  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
The other items (Advanced,  
Power, Boot, and Exit) on the  
menu bar have their respective  
menu items.  
Main menu items  
4.2.5  
Sub-menu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
4.2.6  
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 enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To  
change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to 4.2.7 Pop-up window.  
4.2.7  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
4.2.8  
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 keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down>  
keys to display the other items on the  
screen.  
Pop-up window  
Scroll bar  
4.2.9  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected  
item.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-9  
4.3  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving  
you an overview of the basic system information.  
Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen  
items and how to navigate through them.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
[13:44:30]  
[Wed, 11/25/2009]  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
SATA 1  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
SATA 5  
SATA 6  
:
:
:
:
:
:
[ST3160812AS]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
[Not Detected]  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system Date.  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
Select Item  
Change Field  
Storage Configuration  
System Information  
Tab Select Field  
F1  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.3.1  
System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
4.3.2  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.3.3  
SATA1—6  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE/SATA  
devices. There is a separate submenu for each IDE/SATA device. Select a device  
item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Select the type  
of device connected  
to the system.  
SATA1  
Device  
Vendor  
Size  
:Hard Disk  
:xxxxxxxxx  
:xx.xGB  
LBA Mode :Supported  
Block Mode:16Sectors  
PIO Mode :4  
Async DMA :MultiWord DMA-2  
Ultra DMA :Ultra DMA-6  
S.M.A.R.T.:Supported  
←→  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
Type  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
LBA/Large Mode  
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M[Auto]  
PIO Mode  
DMA Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,  
Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and  
S.M.A.R.T. monitoring). These values are not user-configurable. These items show  
N/A if no IDE/SATA device is installed in the system.  
Type [Auto]  
Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.  
Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]  
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]  
Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the  
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA  
mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]  
Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data  
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device  
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer  
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select the data transfer mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-11  
DMA Mode [Auto]  
Sets the DMA mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0]  
[MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]  
SMART Monitoring [Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-12  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.3.4  
Storage Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the  
IDE/SATA devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you  
wish to configure the item.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Storage Configuration  
Options  
SATA Configuration  
Configure SATA as  
[Enhanced]  
[IDE]  
Disabled  
Compatible  
Enhanced  
Hard Disk Write Protect  
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec)  
[Disabled]  
[35]  
←→  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
SATA Configuration [Enhanced]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]  
Configure SATA as [IDE]  
Sets the configuration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the PCH  
chip. Configuration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]  
If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical  
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE].  
If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host  
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. 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.  
If you want to create RAID sets with LSI MegaRAID utility, or Intel® Matrix  
Storage Technology from the Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item to  
[RAID].  
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]  
Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if the device  
is accessed through BIOS.  
Configuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]  
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.  
Configuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-13  
4.3.5  
AHCI Configuration  
This menu is the section for AHCI configuration. It appears only when you set the  
item Configure SATA as from the sub-menu of SATA Configuration to [AHCI].  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
AHCI Settings  
Some SATA CD/DVD in  
AHCI mode need to  
wait ready longer.  
SATA Port1 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port2 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port3 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port4 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port5 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port6 [Not Detected]  
SATA Port1–6 [XXXX]  
Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
SATA Port1  
Select the type  
of device connected  
to the system.  
Device  
:Not Detected  
SATA Port1  
SMART Monitoring  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
SATA Port1 [Auto]  
Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]  
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]  
Allows you to set the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-14  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.3.6  
System Information  
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS  
automatically detects the items in this menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
BIOS Information  
BIOS Version  
:0201  
BIOS Build Date :11/13/09  
Processor  
Type  
:Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU  
X3440 @  
2.53GHz  
Speed  
:2533MHz  
System Memory  
Usable Size  
: 2040MB  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
System Memory Information  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
BIOS Information  
Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.  
Processor  
Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.  
System Memory  
Displays the auto-detected system memory.  
System Memory Information  
Displays system memory information.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
System Memory Information  
Speed  
DDR3 1333  
DIMM_A1  
DIMM_A2  
DIMM_A3  
DIMM_B1  
DIMM_B2  
DIMM_B3  
20484 MB, 2R, 1333  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-15  
4.4  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other  
system devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect  
field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Configure CPU.  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
Onboard Device Configuration  
USB Configuration  
PCIPnP  
ACPI Configuration  
Event Log Configuration  
Intel VT-d  
SR-IOV Supported  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.4.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS  
automatically detects. Some items may not appear if your CPU does not support  
the related functions.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Configure advanced CPU settings  
Module Version:01.04  
This should be enabled  
Manufacturer:Intel  
in order to enable or  
disable the "Enchanced  
Halt State".  
Brand String:Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU  
X3440  
Frequency  
:2.53GHz  
BCLK Speed :133MHz  
Cache L1  
Cache L2  
Cache L3  
:128 KB  
:1024 KB  
:8192 KB  
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Min:09, Max:21)  
Ratio Actual Value :21  
CPUID  
:20651  
←→ Select Screen  
C1E Support  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Hardware Prefetcher  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch  
Max CPUID Value Limit  
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech  
CPU TM Function  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4-16  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Scroll down for more items.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]  
Sets the ratio between  
CPU Core Clock and the  
FSB Frequency.  
Note:If an invalid  
ratio is set in CMOS  
then actual and  
setpoint values may  
differ.  
Intel(R) HT Technology  
Active Processor Cores  
A20M  
[Enabled]  
[All]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[ACPI C2]  
[Enabled]  
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech  
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech  
C3 State  
C6 State  
C State package limit setting [Auto]  
C1 Auto Demotion  
C3 Auto Demotion  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
C1E Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Hardware Prefetcher function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]  
Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without  
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]  
The Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple  
operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually  
function as several systems. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU TM Function [Enabled]  
This function enables the overheated CPU to throttle the clock speed to cool down.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-17  
Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.  
Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel(R) HT Technology [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology function.  
When disabled, only one thread per activated core is enabled.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Active Processor Cores [All]  
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor  
package.Configuration options: [All] [1] [2]  
A20M [Disabled]  
Legacy OSes and APs may need A20M enabled.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech [Enabled]  
When set to [Disabled], the CPU runs at its default speed. When set to [Enabled],  
the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel(R) TurboMode Tech [Enabled]  
Turbo mode allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific  
condition.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]  
The Intel® C-State Technology allows the CPU to save more power under idle  
mode. Enable this item only when you install a C-State Technology-supported  
CPU. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when you  
item to [Enabled].  
set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech  
C3 State [ACPI C2]  
Allows you to select Nehalem C state action.  
Configuratiton options: [Disabled] [ACPI C2] [ACPI C3]  
C6 State [Enabled]  
Allows you to select Nehalem C state action.  
Configuratiton options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-18  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
C State package limit setting [Auto]  
We recommend that you set this item to [Auto] for BIOS to automatically detect the  
C-State mode supported by your CPU.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [C1] [C3] [C6]  
C1 Auto Demotion [Enabled]  
When this item is enabled, the CPU will conditionally demote C3/C6/C7 requests to  
C1 based on the uncore auto-demote information.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
C3 Auto Demotion [Enabled]  
When this item is enabled, the CPU will conditionally demote C6/C7 requests to C3  
based on the uncore auto-demote information.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-19  
4.4.2  
Chipset  
The Chipset configuration menu allows you to change advanced chipset settings.  
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Advanced Chipset Settings  
Configure CPU Bridge  
features.  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
Uncore Configuration  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Uncore Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
UncoreConfiguration
ENABLE:Allow
remapping of
overlappedPCI memory  
abovethetotal  
IMC :Lynneld  
MemoryRemapFeature
[Enabled]  
physical memory.  
PCI MMIO Allocation: 4GB To 3072MB  
DRAMFrequency
[Auto]
DISABLE: Do not allow  
remapping of memory.  
onfigureDRAM Timing by SPD  
DRAM Margin Ranks  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
MRCSerialDebug Message Level [Disabled]  
[Enabled]
[Auto]
[Closed]
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Memory ECCFunction  
DoubleRateRefresh
PagePolicy
Adaptive Page  
Data Scramble  
Memory Thermal Throttling  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
[Disabled]  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Memory Remap Feature [Enabled]  
Setting this item to [Enabled] allows you to remapp the overlapped PCI memory  
above the total physical memory. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM Frequency [Auto]  
You may allow the system to detect DDR3 memory frequency via SPD or designate  
a specific frequency.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [800 MHz] [1066 MHz] [1333 MHz]  
Refer to the memory AVL on ASUS website at www.asus.com.  
4-20  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Configure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
The ofllowing 10 items appear when you set Configure DRAM Timing by SPD to  
[Disabled].  
DRAM tCL [7]  
Configuration options: [3]—[15]  
DRAM tRAS [20]  
Configuration options: [9]—[63]  
DRAM tRP [7]  
Configuration options: [3]—[15]  
DRAM tRCD [7]  
Configuration options: [3]—[15]  
DRAM tWR [8]  
Configuration options: [3]—[31]  
DRAM tRFC [59]  
Configuration options: [15]—[255]  
DRAM tWTR [4]  
Configuration options: [4]—[31]  
DRAM tRRD [4]  
Configuration options: [4]—[15]  
DRAM tRTP [4]  
Configuration options: [4]—[15]  
DRAM tFAW [20]  
Configuration options: [15]—[63]  
DRAM Margin Ranks [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
MRC Serial Debug Message Level [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Minimum] [Maximum] [Test]  
Memory ECC Function [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable Memory ECC fucntion.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-21  
Double Rate Refresh [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable Double Rate Refresh.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Page Poilcy [Closed]  
Configuration options: [Closed] [Open]  
Adaptive Page [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Data Scramble [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Memory Thermal Throttling [Disabled]  
Setting this item to [CLTT] to Closed Loop Thermal Throttling and [OLTT] to Open  
Loop Thermal Throttling. Configuration options: [CLTT] [OLTT] [Disabled] [Auto]  
4.4.3  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
The Onboard Devices Configuration menu items allow you to change the advanced  
settings for onboard devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the Onboard Devices Configuration  
menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Options  
Enabled  
OnBoard LAN1 Boot ROM  
OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM  
OnBoard LAN3 Boot ROM  
OnBoard LAN4 Boot ROM  
LSI 1068E Boot ROM  
[PXE]  
Disabled  
[PXE]  
[PXE]  
[PXE]  
[Enabled]  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[2F8/IRQ3]  
[378]  
Serial Port1 Address  
Serial Port2 Address  
Parellel Port Address  
Parellel Port Mode  
[Normal]  
[Enabled]  
Interrupt 19 Capture  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4-22  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Onboard LAN1/2/3/4 Boot ROM [PXE]  
Allows you to configure the onboard LAN1/2/3/4 boot mode.  
Configuration: [Disabled] [PXE]  
Onboard LAN3/4 Boot ROM are available only for P7F-C/4L model.  
LSI 1068E Boot ROM [Enabled]  
Allows you to configure the onboard LSI 1068E boot mode.  
Configuration: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
LSI 1068E Boot ROM is available only for P7F-C/SAS model.  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]  
Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port2 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]  
Parallel Port Address [378]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]  
Parallel Port Mode [Normal]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.  
Configuration options: [Normal] [Bi-Directional] [ECP] [EPP] [ECP & EPP]  
Interrupt 19 Capture [Enabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-23  
4.4.4  
USB Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Options  
Module Version - 2.24.5-13.4  
Disabled  
Enabled  
USB Devices Enabled:  
2 Hubs  
USB Functions  
[Enabled]  
Legacy USB Support  
[Auto]  
BIOS EHCI Hand-off  
[Enabled]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.  
USB Functions [Enabled]  
Allows you to enabled or disable the USB function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the BIOS EHCI hand-off support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-24  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.4.5  
PCIPnP  
The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP  
devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI/PnP Configuration menu  
items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings  
NO: lets the BIOS  
configure all the  
devices in the system.  
YES: lets the  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
operating system  
configure Plug and  
Play (PnP) devices not  
required for boot if  
your system has a Plug  
and Play operating  
system.  
Plug And Play O/S  
[No]  
PCI Option ROM Scan Order  
Onboard Option ROM Priority [Normal]  
[Bus 0 First]  
←→  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Plug And Play O/S [No]  
When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to  
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system  
configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
PCI Option ROM Scan Order [Bus 0 First]  
Allows you to select the PCI option ROM scanning order. The scanning of the  
option ROM will start from the lowest bus, device, fucntion number if you set this  
item to [Bus 0 First]; the scanning starts from the highest bus, device, function  
number if you set this item to [Bus N First].  
Configuration options: [Bus 0 First] [Bus N First]  
Onboard Option ROM Priority [Normal]  
Allows you to select the onboard option ROM priority.  
Configuration options: [Normal] [High]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-25  
4.4.6  
ACPI Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
ACPI Settings  
Advanced ACPI  
Configuration  
settings.  
Advanced ACPI Configuration  
Chipset ACPI Configuration  
General WHEA Configuration  
Use this section to  
configure additional  
ACPI options.  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Advanced ACPI Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
Advanced ACPI Configuration  
Include ACPI APIC  
table pointer to RSDT  
pointer list.  
ACPI APIC support  
BIOS-->AML ACPI table  
Headless mode  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When  
set to [Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
BIOS-->AML ACPI table [Enabled]  
Allows you to include the BIOS-->AML exchange table pointer to (X)RSDT pointer  
list.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Headless mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Headless operation mode through ACPI.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-26  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Chipset ACPI Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
South Bridge ACPI Configuration  
Options  
Energy Lake Feature  
APIC ACPI SCI IRQ  
High Performance Event Timer  
HPET Memory Address  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enabled  
Disabled  
[FED00000h]  
Energy Lake Feature [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Energy Lake feature.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
We do not recommend you enable this feature.  
APIC ACPI SCI IRQ [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the APIC ACPI SCI IRQ feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
High Performance Event Timer [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the High Performance Event Timer feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
HPET Memory Address [FED00000h]  
Configuration options: [FED00000h] [FED01000h] [FED02000h] [FED03000h]  
General WHEA Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Advanced  
General WHEA Configuration  
Enabled or disable  
Windows Hardware  
WHEA Support  
[Enabled]  
Error Architecture.  
WHEA Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Windows Hardware Error Architecture.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-27  
4.4.7  
Event Log Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main Advanced  
Event Logging details  
View all unread events  
on the Event Log.  
View Event Log  
Mark all event as read  
Clear Event Log  
View Event Log  
Press <Enter> to read all the unread event log.  
Mark all events as read  
Press <Enter> to mark all the events as read.  
Clear Event Log  
Press <Enter> to clear all events on the event log.  
4.4.8  
Intel VT-d Configuration [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.9  
SR-IOV Supprted [Disabled]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-28  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.5  
Server menu  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power Boot  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Tools  
Exit  
Configure Remote  
Access.  
Remote Access Configuration  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.5.1  
Remote Access Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to configure the Remote Access features. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Server  
Configure Remote Access type and parameters  
Select Remote Access  
type.  
Remote Access  
[Enabled]  
Serial port number  
Base Address, IRQ  
Serial Port Mode  
Flow Control  
[COM2]  
[2F8h, 3]  
[57600 8,n,1]  
[Hardware]  
Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled]  
Terminal Type [VT-UTF8]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Remote Access [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the remote access feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when Remote Access is set to [Enabled].  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-29  
Serial port number [COM2]  
Selects the serial port for console redirection.  
Configuration options: [COM1] [COM2]  
Base Address. IRQ [2F8h, 3]  
This item is not user-configurable and changes with the configuration of Serial  
port number.  
Serial Port Mode [57600 8,n,1]  
Sets the Serial port mode.  
Configuration options: [115200 8,n,1] [57600 8,n,1] [38400 8,n,1] [19200 8,n,1]  
[09600 8,n,1]  
Flow Control [Hardware]  
Allows you to select the flow control for console redirection.  
Configuration options: [None] [Hardware] [Software]  
Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled]  
Sets the redirection mode after the BIOS Power-On Self-Test (POST). Some  
operating system may not work when set to [Always].  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Boot Loader] [Always]  
Terminal Type [VT-UTF8]  
Allows you to select the target terminal type.  
Configuration options: [ANSI] [VT100] [VT-UTF8]  
4-30  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.6  
Power menu  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power Boot  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Tools  
Exit  
Include ACPI APIC  
table pointer to  
RSDT pointer list.  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.6.1  
APM Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
APM Configuration  
<Enter> to select  
whether or not to  
restart the system  
after AC power loss.  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
Power On By RTC Alarm  
[Last State]  
[Disabled]  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
Power On By PCI Devices  
Power On By PCIE Devices  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Restore on AC Power Loss [Last State]  
When set to [Power Off], the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
When set to [Power On], the system will reboot after an AC power loss. When set  
to [Last State], the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system  
state was before the AC power loss.  
Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-31  
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake-up event.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear only when the Resume On RTC Alarm item is set  
to [Enabled].  
RTC Alarm Date [15]  
To set the alarm date, highlight this item and press the <+> or <-> key to make the  
selection.  
System Time [12:30:30]  
Use the <ENTER>, <TAB> or <SHIFT-TAB> key to select a field. Use the <+> or <->  
key to configure alarm time.  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Disables to power up the computer when the external modem  
receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.  
[Enabled]  
The computer could be powered up when the external modem  
receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.  
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and  
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first  
try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off  
causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.  
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.  
Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem  
card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at  
least 1A on the +5VSB lead.  
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Disables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.  
4-32  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.6.2  
Hardware Monitor  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Power  
Hardware Monitor  
CPU1 Temperature  
CPU Temperature(PECI)  
MB Temperature  
TR1 Temperature  
CPU Fan1 Speed  
FRNT FAN1 Speed  
FRNT FAN2 Speed  
FRNT FAN3 Speed  
REAR FAN1 Speed  
FAN Speed Control  
VCORE1  
[ 35ºC/ 94ºF]  
[ 30ºC/ 86ºF]  
[ N/A  
]
[ 5357RPM]  
[ N/A  
[ N/A  
[ N/A  
[ N/A  
]
]
]
]
[Generic Mode]  
[ 1.052 V]  
[ 3.246 V]  
[ 5.196 V]  
[12.000 V]  
[ 3.126 V]  
[ 3.198 V]  
[ 1.504 V]  
3.3V  
5V  
Voltage  
Voltage  
Voltage  
Voltage  
Voltage  
←→ Select Screen  
12V  
VBAT  
3VSB  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
1.5V ICH Voltage  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
CPU/MB/TR1 Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard  
component and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display  
the detected temperatures.  
CPU Fan1; FRNT Fan1–3 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
REAR Fan1 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the speed of  
CPU fans, front fans, and rear fans in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not  
connected to the motherboard, the field shows [N/A].  
Fan Speed Control [Generic Mode]  
Allows you to configure the ASUS Smart Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan  
speeds for more efficient system operation.  
Configuration options: [Full Speed Mode] [High Density Mode] [Generic Mode]  
[Whisper Mode]  
VCORE1, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage, VBAT Voltage,  
3VSB Voltage, 1.5V ICH Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through  
the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this  
item.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-33  
4.7  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Specifies the Boot  
Device Priority  
sequence.  
Boot Settings  
Boot Device Priority  
A virtual floppy disk  
drive (Floppy Drive B:  
) may appear when you  
set the CD-ROM drive  
as the first boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
device.  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.7.1  
Boot Device Priority  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Specifies the Boot  
Boot Device Priority  
1st Boot Device  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
4th Boot Device  
5th Boot Device  
6th Boot Device  
7th Boot Device  
Device Priority  
sequence.  
[Removable Dev.]  
[ATAPI CD-ROM]  
[Hard Drive]  
A device enclosed  
in parenthesis has  
been disabled in the  
corresponding type  
menu.  
[Network:B02 D00 Yu]  
[Network:B03 D00 Yu]  
[Network:B04 D00 Yu]  
[Network:B05 D00 Yu]  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
1st—xxth Boot Device [XXXXXXX]  
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. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]  
4.7.2  
Hard Disk Drives; CDROM Drives  
These two items appear only when you install more than two hard disk drives or  
optical drives to you system. These items allows you to specify the boot priority  
sequence of the hard disk drives or the optical drives.  
4-34  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.7.3  
Boot Settings Configuration  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Allows BIOS to skip  
certain tests while  
booting. This will  
decrease the time  
needed to boot the  
system.  
Quick Boot  
Full Screen Logo  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Force BIOS]  
[On]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
AddOn ROM Display Mode  
Bootup Num-Lock  
Wait For ‘F1‘ If Error  
Hit ‘DEL‘ Message Display  
←→ Select Screen  
↑↓  
+-  
F1  
Select Item  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while  
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],  
BIOS performs all the POST items. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.  
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]  
Allows you to set the display mode for Options ROM.  
Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
Wait For ‘F1‘ If Error [Enabled]  
When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error  
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hit ‘DEL‘ Message Display [Enabled]  
When set to [Enabled], the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”  
during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-35  
4.7.4  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disable password.  
Security Settings  
Supervisor Password : Not Installed  
User Password  
: Not Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
Change User Password  
←→  
↑↓  
Enter Change  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Change Supervisor Password  
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor  
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set  
a password, this item shows Installed.  
To set a Supervisor Password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.  
From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters  
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your  
password.  
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user  
password.  
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then  
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.  
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real  
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumper for information on how to  
erase the RTC RAM.  
4-36  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to  
change other security settings.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Supervisor Password : Installed  
User Password : Not Installed  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disable password.  
Change Supervisor Password  
User Access Level  
[Full Access]  
[Setup]  
Change User Password  
Password Check  
User Access Level [Full Access]  
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.  
Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]  
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.  
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.  
Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.  
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.  
Change User Password  
Select this item to set or change the user password. 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.  
2.  
Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.  
On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six  
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password  
successfully.  
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.  
Password Check [Setup]  
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup  
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing  
Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-37  
4.8  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Press ENTER to run  
the utility to select  
and update BIOS.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
This uitlity supports  
1. FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)  
2. NTFS (read only)  
3. CD-DISC (read only)  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
4.8.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation  
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],  
then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Check section 4.1.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2  
utility for details.  
4-38  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.9  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Main  
Advanced  
Server  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Exit Options  
Exit system setup  
after saving the  
changes.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Discard Changes  
F10 key can be used  
for this operation.  
Load Setup Defaults  
←→  
↑↓  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Go to Sub Screen  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options  
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit  
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard  
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned  
off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select YES to  
save changes and exit.  
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the  
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes  
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the  
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System  
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.  
Discard Changes  
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the  
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select  
YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.  
Load Setup 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 <F5>, a confirmation  
window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes  
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
4-39  
4-40  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
This chapter provides instructions for  
setting up, creating, and configuring RAID  
sets using the available utilities.  
RAID  
5
configuration  
Chapter summary  
5
5.1  
5.2  
5.3  
5.4  
Setting up RAID............................................................................ 5-3  
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................... 5-5  
LSI Logic MPT Setup Utility (P7F-C/SAS model only) ............ 5-15  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility  
(P7F-C/4L model only) ............................................................... 5-35  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5.1  
Setting up RAID  
The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:  
Intel Matrix Storage Manager with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5  
support (for Windows OS only).  
LSI1068E PCI-E SAS controller (P7F-C/SAS model only) supports SAS disk  
drives and RAID0, RAID1, and RAID1E configuration.  
LSI MegaRAID software RAID Configuration Utility (P7F-C/4L model only)  
with RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 support (for both Linux and Windows OS).  
5.1.1  
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 the existing drive.  
RAID 1-E (Enhanced RAID 1) has a striped layout with each stripe unit having a  
secondary (or alternate) copy stored on a different disk. You can use three or more  
hard disk drives for this configuration.  
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.  
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.  
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created  
RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk  
before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive.  
Please refer to chapter 2 for how to select the RAID configuration utility.  
Move the jumper to choose between LSI MegaRAID and Intel® Matrix RAID.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-3  
5.1.2  
Installing hard disk drives  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA for RAID set configuration. For optimal  
performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating  
a disk array.  
To install the SATA hard disks for RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays following the instructions in the  
system user guide.  
Connect a SATA signal cable to the signal connector at the back of each drive  
and to the SATA connector on the motherboard.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
5.1.3  
Setting the RAID item in BIOS  
You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set  
from SATA hard disk drives attached to the SATA connectors supported by  
Intel® 3420 chipset. To do this:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.  
Go to the Main Menu > Storage Configuration, then press <Enter>.  
Set Configure SATA as to [RAID]  
Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS Setup.  
Refer to Chapter 4 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS  
Setup.  
5.1.4  
RAID configuration utilities  
Depending on the RAID connectors that you use, you can create a RAID set using  
the utilities embedded in each RAID controller. For example, use the LSI Logic  
Embedded SATA RAID Setup Utility or the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager if you  
installed Serial ATA hard disk drives on the Serial ATA connectors supported by the  
Intel® 3420 chipset.  
Refer to the succeeding section for details on how to use the RAID configuration  
utility.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.2  
Intel® Matrix Storage Manager  
Option ROM Utility  
The Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0,  
RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 1+0), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial ATA hard disk drives  
that are connected to the Serial ATA connectors supported by the PCH.  
To enter the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager option ROM utility:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install all the Serial ATA hard disk drives.  
Turn on the system.  
During POST, press <Ctrl+I> to display the utility main menu.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ MAIN MENU ]  
1. Create RAID Volume  
2. Delete RAID Volume  
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID  
4. Recovery Volume Options  
5. Exit  
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]  
RAID Volumes:  
None defined.  
* = Data is Encrypted  
Physical Disks:  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size  
Type/Status(Vol ID)  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Exit  
[ENTER]-Select Menu  
The navigation keys at the bottom of the screen allow you to move through  
the menus and select the menu options.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-5  
5.2.1  
Creating a RAID set  
To create a RAID set  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press  
<Enter>. The following screen appears.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name: Volume0  
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)  
Disks: Select Disks  
Strip Size:  
128KB  
Capacity: 0.0  
Sync: N/A  
GB  
Create Volume  
[ HELP ]  
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is  
16 characters or less.  
[↑↓]Change  
[TAB]-Next  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[ENTER]-Select  
2.  
3.  
Enter a name for the RAID set and press <Enter>.  
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select  
a RAID level to create, and then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives  
you want to include in the RAID set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears.  
[ SELECT DISKS ]  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size  
Status  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Select 2 to 6 disks to use in creating the volume.  
]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done  
[
↑↓  
5.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space>  
to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after  
completing your selection.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
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 <Enter>. The available stripe size  
values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The following are typical values:  
RAID 0: 128KB  
RAID 10: 64KB  
RAID 5: 64KB  
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.  
8.  
When the Capacity item is selected, enter the RAID volume capacity that you  
want and press <Enter>. The default value indicates the maximum allowed  
capacity.  
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following  
warning message appears.  
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.  
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):  
9.  
Press <Y> to create the RAID volume and return to the main menu, or <N> to  
go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu.  
5.2.2  
Creating a Recovery set  
To create a recovery set  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press  
<Enter>. The following screen appears.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ CREATE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name: Volume0  
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)  
Disks: Select Disks  
Strip Size:  
128KB  
Capacity: 0.0  
Sync: N/A  
GB  
Create Volume  
[ HELP ]  
Enter a unique volume name that has no special characters and is  
16 characters or less.  
[↑↓]Change  
[TAB]-Next  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[ENTER]-Select  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-7  
2.  
3.  
Enter a name for the recovery set and press <Enter>.  
When the RAID Level item is selected, press the up/down arrow key to select  
Recovery, and then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the Disks item is selected, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives  
you want to include in the recovery set. The SELECT DISKS screen appears.  
[ SELECT DISKS ]  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
9LS0BJ5H  
Size  
Status  
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Non-RAID Disk  
Select 1 Master and 1 Recovery disk to create volume.  
]-Prev/Next [TAB]-(M)aster [SPACE]-(R)ecovery [ENTER]-Done  
[
↑↓  
5.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, press <TAB> to select a Master  
disk, and then press <SPACE> to select a Recovery disk. A small triangle  
marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after completing your selection.  
6.  
7.  
When the Sync item is selected, use the up/down arrow key to select a sync  
option that you want and press <Enter>.  
When the Create Volume item is selected, press <Enter>. The following  
warning message appears.  
WARNING: ALL DATA ON SELECTED DISKS WILL BE LOST.  
Are you sure you want to create this volume? (Y/N):  
8.  
Press <Y> to create the recovery set and return to the main menu, or <N> to  
go back to the CREATE VOLUME menu.  
If a recovery set is created, you cannot add more RAID sets even when you  
have more non-RAID disks installed in your system.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.2.3  
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  
<Enter>. The following screen appears.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ DELETE VOLUME MENU ]  
Name  
Volume0  
Level  
RAID0(Stripe)  
Drives  
2
Capacity  
298.0GB  
Status  
Normal  
Bootable  
Yes  
[ HELP ]  
Deleting a volume will reset the disks to non-RAID.  
WARNING: ALL DISK DATA WILL BE DELETED.  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[DEL]-Delete Volume  
2.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set you want to delete, and  
then press <Del>. The following warning message appears.  
[ DELETE VOLUME VERIFICATION ]  
ALL DATA IN THE VOLUME WILL BE LOST!  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
Are you sure you want to delete volume “Volume0”? (Y/N):  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete the RAID set and return to the utility main menu, or press  
<N> to return to the DELETE VOLUME menu.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-9  
5.2.4  
Resetting disks to Non-RAID  
Take caution before you reset a RAID volume hard disk drive to non-RAID.  
Resetting a RAID volume hard disk drive deletes all internal RAID structure on  
the drive.  
To reset a RAID set hard disk drive  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID and press  
<Enter>. The following screen appears.  
[ RESET RAID DATA ]  
Resetting RAID disk will remove its RAID structures  
and revert it to a non-RAID disk.  
WARNING: Resetting a disk causes all data on the disk to be lost.  
(This does not apply to Recovery volumes)  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0HJA4  
9LS0F4HL  
Size  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
Status  
Member Disk  
Member Disk  
0
1
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
Select the disks that should be reset.  
[ ]-Previous/Next [SPACE]-Selects [ENTER]-Selection Complete  
↑↓  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the RAID set drive(s) you want to reset,  
and then press <Space> to select.  
Press <Enter> to reset the RAID set drive(s). A confirmation message  
appears.  
Press <Y> to reset the drive(s) or press <N> to return to the utility main  
menu.  
5-10  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.2.5  
Recovery Volume Options  
If you have created a recovery set, you can configure more recovery set options  
following the descriptions in the section.  
See section 5.3.2 Creating a Recovery set to create a recovery set before  
continue.  
To configure a recovery set  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 4. Recovery Volume Options and press  
<Enter>. The following screen appears.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ RECOVERY VOLUME OPTIONS ]  
1. Enable Only Recovery Disk  
2. Enable Only Master Disk  
[ HELP ]  
Enable Only Recovery Disk - enables recovery disk if available and  
disables master disk.  
Enable Only Master Disk - enables master disk if available and  
disables recovery disk.  
Actions will result in change from Continuous Update mode to On-Request.  
[↑↓]-Select  
[ESC]-Previous Menu  
[ENTER]-Select  
2.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select the option you want, and then press  
<ENTER>. The SELECT RECOVERY VOLUME screeen appears.  
[ SELECT RECOVERY VOLUME ]  
Name  
Volume0  
Level  
Capacity  
Status  
Normal  
Bootable  
Yes  
Recovery(Cont.)  
149.0GB  
Select a Recovery volume to do the operation.  
]-Up/Down [SPACE]-Selects [ENTER]-Done  
[
↑↓  
3.  
Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space>  
to select. A small triangle marks the selected drive. Press <Enter> after  
completing your selection and return to the utility main menu.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-11  
5.2.6  
Exiting the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager  
To exit the utility  
1.  
From the utility main menu, select 5. Exit, and then press <Enter>. The  
following warning message appears.  
[ CONFIRM EXIT ]  
Are you sure you want to exit? (Y/N):  
2.  
Press <Y> to exit or press <N> to return to the utility main menu.  
5.2.7  
Rebuilding the RAID  
This option is only for the RAID 1 set.  
Rebuilding the RAID with other non-RAID disk  
If any of the SATA hard disk drives included in the RAID 1 array failed, the system  
displays the status of the RAID volume as “Degraded” during POST. You can  
rebuild the RAID array with other installed non-RAID disks.  
To rebuild the RAID with other non-RAID disk:  
1.  
2.  
At the prompt, press <Ctrl> + <I> to enter the Intel Matrix Storage Manager  
option ROM utility.  
If there is a non-RAID SATA Hard Disk available, the utility will prompt to  
rebuild the RAID. Press <Enter>, and then use up/down arrow keys to select  
the destination disk or press <ESC> to exit.  
[ DEGRADED VOLUME DETECTED ]  
"Degraded" volume and disk available for rebuilding detected. Selecting  
a disk initiates a rebuild. Rebuild completes in the operating system.  
Select the port of destination disk for rebuilding (ESC to exit):  
Port Drive Model  
XXXXXXXXXXX  
Serial #  
XXXXXXXX  
Size  
XX.XGB  
X
[
↑↓  
]-Previous/Next [ENTER]-Select [ESC]-Exit  
Select a destination disk with the same size as the original hard disk.  
5-12  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
3.  
The utility immediately starts rebuilding after the disk is selected. The status  
of the degraded RAID volume is changed to “Rebuild”.  
Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager option ROM v8.9.0.1023 PCH-D wRAID5  
Copyright(C) 2003-09 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.  
[ MAIN MENU ]  
1. Create RAID Volume  
2. Delete RAID Volume  
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID  
4. Recovery Volume Options  
5. Exit  
[ DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION ]  
Strip Size  
RAID Volumes:  
* = Data is Encrypted  
ID  
0
Name  
Level  
Status  
Bootable  
Yes  
Volume0  
RAID1(Mirror)  
N/A  
149.0GB  
Rebuild  
Physical Disks:  
Port Drive Model  
Serial #  
9LS0F4HL  
3LS0JYL8  
Size  
149.0GB  
149.0GB  
Type/Status(Vol ID)  
Member Disk(0)  
Member Disk(0)  
1
2
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
Volumes with “Rebuild” status will be rebuilt within the operating system.  
[↑↓]-Select [ESC]-Exit [ENTER]-Select Menu  
4.  
5.  
Exit Intel Matrix Storage Manager and reboot the system.  
Select Start > Programs > Intel Matrix Storage > Intel Matrix Storage  
Console or click the Intel Matrix Storage Manager tray icon to load the Intel  
Matrix Stroage Manager utility.  
6.  
7.  
From the View menu, select Advanced Mode to display the details of the  
Intel Matrix Storage Console.  
From the Volumes view option, select RAID volume to view the rebuilding  
status. When finished, the status is changed to “Normal”.  
Rebuilding the RAID with a new hard disk  
If any of the SATA hard disk drives included in the RAID array failed, the system  
displays the status of the RAID volume as “Degraded” during POST. You may  
replace the disk drive and rebuild the RAID array.  
To rebuild the RAID with a new hard disk:  
1.  
2.  
Remove the failed SATA hard disk and install a new SATA hard disk of the  
same specification into the same SATA Port.  
Select a destination disk with the same size as the original hard disk.  
Reboot the system and then follow the steps in section Rebuilding the RAID  
with other non-RAID disk on page 5-32.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-13  
5.2.8  
Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility  
You can set the boot priority sequence in the BIOS for your RAID arrays when  
creating multi-RAID using the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager.  
To set the boot array in the BIOS:  
Set at least one of the arrays bootable to boot from the hard disk.  
1.  
Reboot the system and press <Del> to enter the BIOS setup utility during  
POST.  
2.  
3.  
Go to the Boot menu and select the option Boot Device Priority.  
Use up/down arrow keys to select the boot priority and press <Enter>. See  
section 4.7.1 Boot Device Priority for details.  
4.  
5.  
From the Exit menu, select Exit & Save Changes, then press <Enter>.  
When the confirmation window appears, select OK, then press <Enter>.  
5-14  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.3  
LSI Logic MPT Setup Utility  
(P7F-C/SAS model only)  
The LSI Logic MPT Setup Utility is an integrated RAID solution that allows you to  
allows you to create the following RAID set(s) from SAS hard disk drives supported  
by the LSI1068E SAS controller:  
RAID 1 (Integrated Mirroring)  
RAID 1E (Integrated Mirroring Enhanced)  
RAID 0 (Integrated Striping)  
5.3.1  
Integrated Mirroring  
Overview  
The Integrated Mirroring (IM) feature supports simultaneous mirrored volumes with  
two disks (IM). Integrated Mirroring Enhanced (IME) supports three to ten disks, or  
seven mirrored disks plus two hot spare disks.  
The IM feature supports hot swap capability, so when a disk in an IM volume  
fails, you can easily restore the volume, and the swapped disk is automatically re-  
mirrored.  
Creating Integrated Mirroring volumes  
You may use disks of different sized in IM and IME volumes; however, the  
size of the smallest disk determines the “logical” size of each member disk.  
DO NOT combine Serial ATA and SAS disk drives in one volume.  
The RAID setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen due to the controller  
version difference.  
To create an IM volume:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system after installing all SAS hard disk drives.  
During POST, press <Ctrl+C> to enter the SAS configuration utility.  
LSI Logic Corp. MPT SAS BIOS  
MPTBIOS-6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Copyright 2000-2007 LSI Logic Corp.  
Adapter(s) disabled by user  
Press Ctrl-C to start LSI Logic Configuration Utility...  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-15  
3.  
The following screen appears. Select a channel and press <Enter> to enter  
the setup.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Adapter  
PCI  
BUS  
04  
PCI  
Dev  
03  
PCI  
Fnc  
00  
PCI  
Slot  
00  
FW Revision  
Status  
Boot  
Order  
0
SAS1068E  
1.22.01.00-IR  
Enabled  
Esc = Exit Menu  
Alt+N = Global Properties -/+ = Alter Boot Order  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Ins/Del = Alter Boot List  
The numbers of the channel depend on the controller.  
4.  
The Adapter Properties screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select RAID Properties, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter Properties -- SAS1068E  
Adapter  
PCI Slot  
SAS1068E  
00  
PCI Address(Bus/Dev/Func)  
MPT Firmware Revision  
SAS Address  
NVDATA Version  
Status  
04:00:00  
1.22.01.00-IR  
500E0101:23456712  
2B.00  
Enabled  
Boot Order  
Boot Support  
0
(Enabled BIOS & OS)  
RAID Properties  
SAS Topology  
Advanced Adapter Properties  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item -/+ = Change Item  
5-16  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.  
The Select New Array Type screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select Create IM Volume, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Select New Array Type -- SAS1068E  
Create IM Volume  
Create IME Volume  
Create Integrated Mirror Array of 2  
disks plus up to 2 optional hot spares.  
Data on the primary disk may be migrated.  
Create Integrated Mirrored Enhanced  
Array of 3 to 10 disks including up  
to 2 optional hot spares.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
Create IS Volume  
Esc = Exit Menu  
Create Integrated Striping array of  
2 to 10 disks.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Choose array type to create  
6.  
The Create New Array screen shows the disks you can add to make up  
the IM volume. Use the arrow key to select a disk, then move the cursor to  
the RAID Disk column. To include this disk in the array, press <+>, <->, or  
<Space>.  
You may also specify the Hot Spare disk here. Select the disk, then move the  
cursor to the Hot Spr column, then press <+>, <->, or <Space>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Create New Array -- SAS1068E  
Array Type:  
Array Size(MB):  
IM  
------  
Slot  
Num  
0
1
2
Device Identifier  
RAID  
Disk  
[NO]  
[NO]  
[NO]  
[NO]  
Hot  
Spr  
[NO]  
[NO]  
[NO]  
[NO]  
Drive  
Status  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
Pred  
Fail  
Size  
(MB)  
70007  
70007  
35003  
35003  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
0003  
3
Esc = Exit Menu  
SPACE/+/- = Select disk for array or hot spare  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
C = Create array  
By default, the RAID Disk field shows No before array creation. This field is  
grayed out under the following conditions:  
The disk does not meet the minimum requirements for use in a RAID array.  
The disk is not large enough to mirror existing data on the primary drive.  
The disk has been selected as the Hot Spare for the RAID array.  
The disk is already part of another array.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-17  
7.  
A confirmation screen appears.  
Press <M> to keep existing data on the first disk. If you choose this option,  
data on the first disk will be mirrored on the second disk that you will add to  
the volume later. Make sure the data you want to mirror is on the first disk.  
Press <D> to overwrite any data and create the new IM array.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Create New Array Type -- SAS1068E  
M
D
- Keep existing data, migrate to an IM array.  
Synchronization of disk will occur.  
- Overwrite existing data, create a new IM array.  
ALL DATA on ALL disk in the array will be DELETED!!  
No Synchronization performed.  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Space/+/- = Select disk for array or hot spare  
C = Create array  
8.  
9.  
Repeat steps 5 and 6 to add the second disk to the volume.  
When done, press <C> to create the array, then select Save changes then  
exit this menu.  
Create and save new array?  
Cancel Exit  
Save changes then exit this menu  
Discard changes then exit this menu  
Exit the Configuration Utility and Reboot  
10. The utility creates the array.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Processing...may take up 1 minute  
Creating RAID array  
5-18  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.3.2  
Integrated Mirroring Enhanced  
To create an IME volume:  
1.  
The Adapter Properties screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select RAID Properties, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter Properties -- SAS1068E  
Adapter  
SAS1068E  
PCI Slot  
00  
PCI Address(Bus/Dev/Func)  
MPT Firmware Revision  
SAS Address  
04:00:00  
1.22.01.00-IR  
500E0101:23456712  
2B.00  
NVDATA Version  
Status  
Enabled  
Boot Order  
0
Boot Support  
(Enabled BIOS & OS)  
RAID Properties  
SAS Topology  
Advanced Adapter Properties  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item -/+ = Change Item  
2.  
The Select New Array Type screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select Create IME Volume, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Select New Array Type -- SAS1068E  
Create IM Volume  
Create IME Volume  
Create Integrated Mirror Array of 2  
disks plus up to 2 optional hot spares.  
Data on the primary disk may be migrated.  
Create Integrated Mirrored Enhanced  
Array of 3 to 10 disks including up  
to 2 optional hot spares.  
ALL Data on array disks will be deleted!  
Create IS Volume  
Esc = Exit Menu  
Create Integrated Striping array of  
2 to 10 disks.  
ALL Data on array disks will be deleted!  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Choose array type to create  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-19  
3.  
The Create New Array screen shows the disks you can add to make up the  
IME volume.  
Integrated Mirroring Enhanced (IME) supports three to ten disks, or seven  
mirrored disks plus two hot spare disks. Use the arrow key to select a disk,  
then move the cursor to the RAID Disk column. To include this disk in the  
array, press <+>, <->, or <Space>.  
You may also specify the Hot Spare disk here. Select the disk, then move the  
cursor to the Hot Spr column, then press <+>, <->, or <Space>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Create New Array -- SAS1068E  
Array Type:  
IME  
Array Size(MB):  
51498  
Slot  
Device Identifier  
RAID  
Hot  
Drive  
Pred  
Size  
Num  
0
Disk  
Spr  
Status  
Fail  
(MB)  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
0003  
[Yes] [NO]  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
70007  
1
[NO]  
[NO]  
70007  
35003  
35003  
2
[Yes] [NO]  
[Yes] [NO]  
3
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
SPACE/+/- = Select disk for array or hot spare  
C = Create array  
By default, the RAID Disk field shows No before array creation. This field is  
grayed out under the following conditions:  
The disk does not meet the minimum requirements for use in a RAID array.  
The disk is not large enough to mirror existing data on the primary drive.  
The disk has been selected as the Hot Spare for the RAID array.  
The disk is already part of another array.  
5-20  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
4.  
5.  
Repeat step 5 to add the other disks to the volume.  
When done, press <C> to create the array, then select Save changes then  
exit this menu.  
Create and save new array?  
Cancel Exit  
Save changes then exit this menu  
Discard changes then exit this menu  
Exit the Configuration Utility and Reboot  
6.  
The utility creates the array.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Processing...may take up 1 minute  
Creating RAID array  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-21  
5.3.3  
Integrated Striping (IS) volume  
Overview  
The Integrated Striping (IS) feature provides RAID 0 functionality, supporting  
volumes with two to eight disks. You may combine an IS volume with an IM or IME  
volume.  
Creating Integrated Striping volumes  
DO NOT combine Serial ATA and SAS disk drives in one volume.  
To create an IS volume:  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system after installing all SAS hard disk drives.  
During POST, press <Ctrl+C> to enter the SAS configuration utility.  
LSI Logic Corp. MPT SAS BIOS  
MPTBIOS-6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Copyright 2000-2007 LSI Logic Corp.  
Adapter(s) disabled by user  
Press Ctrl-C to start LSI Logic Configuration Utility...  
3.  
The Adapter Properties screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select RAID Properties, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter Properties -- SAS1068E  
Adapter  
PCI Slot  
SAS1068E  
00  
PCI Address(Bus/Dev/Func)  
MPT Firmware Revision  
SAS Address  
NVDATA Version  
Status  
04.00:00  
1.22.01.00-IR  
500E0101:23456712  
2B.00  
Enabled  
Boot Order  
Boot Support  
0
(Enabled BIOS & OS)  
RAID Properties  
SAS Topology  
Advanced Adapter Properties  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item -/+ = Change Item  
5-22  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
4.  
The Select New Array Type screen appears.  
Use the arrow keys to select Create IS Volume, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Select New Array Type -- SAS1068E  
Create IM Volume  
Create IME Volume  
Create Integrated Mirror Array of 2  
disks plus up to 2 optional hot spares.  
Data on the primary disk may be migrated.  
Create Integrated Mirrored Enhanced  
Array of 3 to 10 disks including up  
to 2 optional hot spares.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
Create IS Volume  
Esc = Exit Menu  
Create Integrated Striping array of  
2 to 10 disks.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Choose array type to create  
5.  
The Create New Array screen shows the disks you can add to make up  
the IS volume. Use the arrow key to select a disk, then move the cursor to  
the RAID Disk column. To include this disk in the array, press <+>, <->, or  
<Space>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Create New Array -- SAS1068E  
Array Type:  
IS  
Array Size(MB):  
102996  
Slot  
Device Identifier  
RAID  
Hot  
Drive  
Pred  
Size  
Num  
0
Disk  
Spr  
Status  
Fail  
(MB)  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
0003  
[Yes] [NO]  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
------- ----  
70007  
1
[NO]  
[NO]  
70007  
35003  
35003  
2
[Yes] [NO]  
[Yes] [NO]  
3
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
SPACE/+/- = Select disk for array or hot spare  
C = Create array  
By default, the RAID Disk field shows No before array creation. This field is  
grayed out under the following conditions:  
The disk does not meet the minimum requirements for use in a RAID array.  
The disk is not large enough to mirror existing data on the primary drive.  
The disk has been selected as the Hot Spare for the RAID array.  
The disk is already part of another array.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-23  
6.  
7.  
Repeat step 5 to add the other disks to the volume.  
When done, press <C> to create the array, then select Save changes then  
exit this menu.  
Create and save new array?  
Cancel Exit  
Save changes then exit this menu  
Discard changes then exit this menu  
Exit the Configuration Utility and Reboot  
9.  
The utility creates the array.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Processing...may take up 1 minute  
Creating RAID array  
5-24  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.3.4  
Managing Arrays  
The LSI Logic MPT Setup Utility allows you to perform other tasks related to  
configuring and maintaining IM and IME volumes.  
Refer to this section to view volume properties, manage the hot spare disk,  
synchronize the array, activate the array, and delete the array.  
Viewing volume properties  
To view volume properties:  
1.  
On the main menu, select RAID Properties.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter Properties -- SAS1068E  
Adapter  
PCI Slot  
SAS1068E  
00  
PCI Address(Bus/Dev/Func)  
MPT Firmware Revision  
SAS Address  
NVDATA Version  
Status  
04:00:00  
1.22.01.00-IR  
500E0101:23456712  
2B.00  
Enabled  
Boot Order  
Boot Support  
0
(Enabled BIOS & OS)  
RAID Properties  
SAS Topology  
Advanced Adapter Properties  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item -/+ = Change Item  
2.  
On the next screen that appears, select View Existing Array.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Select New Array Type -- SAS1068E  
View Existing Array  
Create IM Volume  
View the existing configuration.  
Create Integrated Mirror Array of 2  
disks plus up to 2 optional hot spares.  
Data on the primary disk may be migrated.  
Create IME Volume  
Create IS Volume  
Create Integrated Mirrored Enhanced  
Array of 3 to 10 disks including up  
to 2 optional hot spares.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
Create Integrated Striping array of  
2 to 10 disks.  
ALL DATA on array disks will be DELETED!  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Choose array type to create  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-25  
3.  
The View Existing Array screen appears. Here you can view properties of  
the RAID array(s) created. If you have configured a hot spare, it will also be  
listed. if you created more than one array, you may view the next array by  
pressing <Alt+N>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
View Array -- SAS1068E  
Array  
1 of 1  
Identifier  
Type  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Manage Array  
Slot  
Num  
0
Device Identifier  
RAID  
Disk  
Yes  
Hot  
Spr  
NO  
Drive  
Status  
Ok  
Pred  
Fail  
No  
Size  
(MB)  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
34331  
2
Yes  
NO  
Ok  
No  
34331  
34331  
3
Yes  
NO  
Ok  
No  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N=Next Array C = Create an array  
Enter=Select Item  
5-26  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
Managing hot spares  
You may configure one disk as a global hot spare to protect critical data on the IM/  
IME volume(s). You may create the hot spare disk at the same time you create the  
IM/IME volume. Refer to this section when adding a hot spare disk on an existing  
volume.  
If a disk on an IM/IME volume fails, the utility automatically rebuilds the failed  
disk data on the hot spare. When the failed disk is replaced, the utility assigns  
the replacement as the new hot spare.  
To create a hot spare:  
1.  
2.  
Follow steps 1—3 of the section Viewing volume properties.  
From the View Array screen, select Manage Array, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
View Array -- SAS1068E  
Array  
1 of 1  
Identifier  
Type  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Manage Array  
Slot  
Num  
0
Device Identifier  
RAID  
Disk  
Yes  
Hot  
Spr  
NO  
Drive  
Status  
Ok  
Pred  
Fail  
No  
Size  
(MB)  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
34331  
2
Yes  
NO  
Ok  
No  
34331  
34331  
3
Yes  
NO  
Ok  
No  
Esc = Exit Menu  
Enter=Select Item  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N=Next Array C = Create an array  
3.  
From the Manage Array screen select Manage Hot Spare, then press  
<Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Manage Array -- SAS1068E  
Identifier  
Type  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Manage Hot Spare  
Synnchronize Array  
Activate Array  
Delete Array  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-27  
4.  
Use the arrow key to select the disk you would like to configure as hot spare,  
then move the cursor to the Hot Spr column. Press <+>, <->, or <Space>.  
The Drive Status column field now shows Hot Spare.  
Press <C> to commit the changes.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Manage Hot Spare -- SAS1068E  
Identifier  
Type  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Slot  
Device Identifier  
Hot  
Drive  
Status  
Ok  
Pred  
Fail  
No  
Size  
Num  
0
Spr  
(MB)  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
SEAGATE ST373454SS  
0003  
0003  
0003  
0003  
[NO]  
[NO]  
[NO]  
34331  
1
Ok  
No  
34331  
34331  
35003  
-----  
2
Ok  
No  
3
[Yes] Hot Spare  
[----] ---------  
No  
--  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
C = Commit Changes  
SPACE/+/- = Change Item  
Synchronizing the array  
Synchronizing the array allows the utility to resynchronize data on the mirrored disk  
in the array. This procedure is seldom required because data synchronization is  
automatically done during normal operation.  
To synchronize the array:  
1.  
2.  
Follow steps 1 ~ 3 of the section Viewing volume properties and step 2 of  
the section Managing hot spares.  
From the Manage Array screen select Synchronize Array, then press  
<Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Manage Array -- SAS1068E  
Identifier  
Type  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Manage Hot Spare  
Synnchronize Array  
Activate Array  
Delete Array  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item  
3.  
Press <Y> to begin the synchronization, or <N> to cancel.  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5-28  
Activating an array  
If an array is removed from one controller/computer or moved to another, the  
array is considered inactive. When you add the array back to the system, you may  
reactivate the array.  
To activate the array:  
1.  
From the Manage Array screen, select Activate Array, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Manage Array -- SAS1068E  
Identifier  
Type  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IME  
0
51498  
Optimal  
Manage Hot Spare  
Synnchronize Array  
Activate Array  
Delete Array  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item  
2.  
Press <Y> to activate, or <N> to cancel.  
Deleting an array  
You cannot recover lost data if you delete an array. Make sure you back up  
important data before deleting an array.  
If you delete an IM (RAID 1) volume, the data is preserved on the primary  
disk.  
To delete an array:  
1. From the Manage Array screen, select Delete Array, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Manage Array -- SAS1068E  
Identifier  
Type  
Scan Order  
Size(MB)  
Status  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
IM  
0
34332  
Optimal  
Manage Hot Spare  
Synnchronize Array  
Activate Array  
Delete Array  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item  
2.  
Press <Y> to delete, or <N> to cancel.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-29  
5.3.5  
Viewing SAS topology  
1.  
From the Adapter Properties screen, select SAS Topology.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter Properties -- SAS1068E  
Adapter  
PCI Slot  
SAS1068E  
00  
PCI Address(Bus/Dev/Func)  
MPT Firmware Revision  
SAS Address  
NVDATA Version  
Status  
04:00:00  
1.22.01.00-IR  
500E0101:23456712  
2B.00  
Enabled  
Boot Order  
Boot Support  
0
(Enabled BIOS & OS)  
RAID Properties  
SAS Topology  
Advanced Adapter Properties  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Enter = Select Item -/+ = Change Item  
Press <Alt+D> to display device properties, or <Alt+M> to display more keys.  
More keys for the SAS Topology display:  
C = Clear Device Mappings for Non-Present Devices  
R = Refresh SAS Topology  
Enter = On a SAS Enclosure or Expander - Expand or Collapse Item  
turns off)  
Enter = On a Disk Drive - Turn on the Locate LED (next key press  
2.  
Information about the volume and its member-disks are then displayed.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
SAS Topology -- SAS1068E  
Device Identifier  
Device  
SAS1068E(04:00:00)  
Info  
Controller  
IM VOL  
Direct Attach Devices  
Controller  
LSILOGICLogical Volume 3000  
Esc=Exit  
F1=Help  
Alt+D=Device Properties  
Alt+N=More Keys  
5-30  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.3.6  
Global Properties  
From the Setup Utility screen, press <Alt+N> to enter LSI Logic Configuration,  
then select Global Properties. The Global Properties menu allows you to change  
related settings.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Adapter  
PCI  
BUS  
04  
PCI  
Dev  
03  
PCI  
Fnc  
00  
PCI  
Slot  
00  
FW Revision  
Status  
Boot  
Order  
0
SAS1068E  
1.22.01.00-IR  
Enabled  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N = Global Properties -/+ = Alter Boot Order  
Ins/Del = Alter Boot List  
Pause When Boot Alert Displayed  
Sets whether to pause or not when the boot alert displays.  
Configuration options: [Yes] [No]  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Pause When Boot Alert Displayed  
Boot Information Display Mode  
Support Interrupt  
[No]  
[Display adapters & installed devices]  
[Hook interrupt, the Default]  
Restore Defaults  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N = Adapter List -/+ = Change Item  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-31  
Boot Information Display Mode  
Sets the disk information display mode.  
Configuration options: [Display adapters & installed devices]  
[Display adapters only] [Display adapters and all devices]  
[Display minimal information]  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Pause When Boot Alert Displayed  
Boot Information Display Mode  
Support Interrupt  
[No]  
[Display adapters & installed devices]  
[Hook interrupt, the Default]  
Restore Defaults  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N = Adapter List -/+ = Change Item  
Support Interrupt  
Configuration options: [Hook interrupt, the Default] [Bypass interrupt hook]  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Pause When Boot Alert Displayed  
Boot Information Display Mode  
Support Interrupt  
[No]  
[Display adapters & installed devices]  
[Hook interrupt, the Default]  
Restore Defaults  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N = Adapter List -/+ = Change Item  
5-32  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
Restore Defaults  
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the system  
defaults.  
LSI Logic Config Utility  
v6.16.00.00 (2007.05.07)  
Adapter List Global Properties  
Pause When Boot Alert Displayed  
Boot Information Display Mode  
Support Interrupt  
[No]  
[Display adapters & installed devices]  
[Hook interrupt, the Default]  
Restore Defaults  
Esc = Exit Menu  
F1/Shift+1 = Help  
Alt+N = Adapter List -/+ = Change Item  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-33  
5.4  
LSI Software RAID Configuration  
Utility (P7F-C/4L model only)  
The LSI MegaRAID software RAID configuration utility allows you to create RAID 0,  
RAID 1, or RAID 10 set(s) from SATA hard disk drives connected to the SATA  
connectors supported by the motherboard southbridge chip.  
To enter the LSI MegaRAID software RAID configuration utility  
1.  
2.  
Turn on the system after installing all the SATA hard disk drives.  
During POST, the LSI MegaRAID software RAID configuration utility  
automatically detects the installed SATA hard disk drives and displays any  
existing RAID set(s). Press <Ctrl> + <M> to enter the utility.  
LSI MegaRAID Software RAID BIOS Version A.09 04300936R  
LSI SATA RAID Found at PCI Bus No: Dev No:1F  
Device present at Port 0  
Device present at Port 1  
Device present at Port 2  
Device present at Port 3  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
ST3160812AS  
152114MB  
152114MB  
152114MB  
152114MB  
Press Ctrl-M or Enter to run LSI Software RAID Setup Utility.  
The LSI MegaRAID software RAID configuration utility automatically  
configures to RAID 1 when the SATA to RAID Mode is enabled.  
The RAID setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen due to the controller  
version difference.  
When you create RAID sets with the LSI MegaRAID software RAID  
configuration utility, the boot priority of the SATA optical drive has to be  
manually adjusted. Otherwise, the system will not boot from the connected  
SATA ODD.  
3.  
The utility main window appears. Use the arrow keys to select an option from  
the Management Menu and then press <Enter>. Refer to the Management  
Menu descriptions on the next page.  
At the bottom of the screen is the legend box. The keys on the legend box  
allow you to navigate through the setup menu options or execute commands.  
The keys on the legend box vary according to the menu level.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Management Menu  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Configure VD(s)  
Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
5-34  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
Menu  
Description  
Configure  
Allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1 or RAID 10 set using the Easy  
Configuration or the New Configuration command. This menu also  
allows you to view, add, or clear RAID configurations or select the  
boot drive  
Initialize  
Allows you to initialize the virtual drives of a created RAID set  
Objects  
Allows you to initialize virtual drives or change the virtual drive  
parameters  
Rebuild  
Allows you to rebuild failed drives  
Check Consistency Allows you to check the data consistency of the virtual drives of a  
created RAID set  
5.4.1  
Creating a RAID set  
The LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility allows you to create a RAID 0, RAID 1,  
or RAID 10 set using two types of configurations: Easy and New.  
In Easy Configuration, the virtual drive parameters are set automatically.  
In New Configuration, you manually set the virtual drive parameters.  
Using Easy Configuration  
To create a RAID set using the Easy Configuration option  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Configure > Easy Configuration, and  
then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Defines Physical Arrays. An Array Will Automatically Become A VD  
Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-35  
2.  
The ARRAY SELECTION MENU displays the available drives connected to  
the SATA ports. Use the up/down arrow key to select the drives you want to  
include in the RAID set, and then press <Space>. When selected, the drive  
indicator changes from READY to ONLIN A[X]-[Y], where X is the array  
number, and Y is the drive number.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Easy Configuration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU  
Management
PORT #  
Configure  
0
1
2
3
ONLIN A00-00  
Initialize  
Objects  
ONLIN A00-01  
READY  
Rebuild  
Check Consist
READY  
Port # 1 DISK  
77247MB  
HDS728080PLA380  
PF20A60A  
SPACE-Sel,ENTER-EndArray,F10-Configure,F2-Drive Info,F3-Virtual Drives,F4-HSP  
The information of the selected hard disk drive displays at the bottom of the  
screen.  
You need at least two identical hard disk drives when creating a RAID 1 set.  
You need at least four identical hard disk drives when creating a RAID 10  
set.  
3.  
4.  
Select all the drives required for the RAID set, and then press <F10> to  
configure array setting.  
Press <Space> to select the configurable array.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Easy Configuration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU  
Select Configurable Array(s)  
Management
A-0  
Configure  
SPAN-1  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consist
Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Configure Esc-Quit  
5-36  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.  
Press <F10> again, the virtual drive information appears including a Virtual  
Drive menu that allows you to change the virtual drive parameters.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
RAID  
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
0
1
77247MB  
2
64 KB  
ONLINE  
Managem
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Con
Virgual Drive 0  
RAID = 1  
Size = 77247MB  
DWC = Off  
RA  
= On  
Accept  
SPAN = NO  
Choose RAID Level For This VD  
Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Configure Esc-Quit  
6.  
7.  
Select RAID from the Virtual Drive sub-menu, and then press <Enter>.  
Select the RAID level from the menu, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
RAID  
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
0
1
77247MB  
2
64 KB  
ONLINE  
Managem
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Con
Virtual Drive 0  
RAID Level  
RAID 0  
RAID 1  
RAID = 1  
Size = 77247MB  
DWC = Off  
RA  
= On  
Accept  
SPAN = NO  
Choose RAID Level For This VD  
Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Configure Esc-Quit  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-37  
8.  
9.  
When creating a RAID 1 or a RAID 10 set, select DWC from the Virtual  
Drive menu, and then press <Enter>.  
When creating a RAID 0 set, proceed to step 10.  
Select On to enable the Disk Write Cache setting, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
RAID  
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
0
1
77247MB  
2
64 KB  
ONLINE  
Managem
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Change DWC  
Rebuild  
Off  
On  
Check Con
Virtual Drive 0  
RAID = 1  
Size = 77247MB  
DWC = Off  
RA  
= On  
Accept  
SPAN = NO  
Disk Write Cache Setting Of VD  
Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Configure Esc-Quit  
Enabling DWC can improve the performance, but with the risk of data loss.  
10. When finished setting the selected virtual drive configuration, select Accept  
from the menu, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
RAID  
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
0
1
77247MB  
2
64 KB  
ONLINE  
Managem
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Con
Virtual Drive 0  
RAID = 1  
Size = 77247MB  
DWC = Off  
RA  
= On  
Accept  
SPAN = NO  
Accept This VD Configuration And Go To Next VD  
Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Configure Esc-Quit  
5-38  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
11. Follow step 2 to 10 to configure additional virtual drives.  
12. Press <Esc> to finish RAID configuration. When prompted to save  
configuration, select Yes from the menu, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Save Configuration?  
Yes  
No  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
0
RAID  
1
Size  
#Stripes  
2
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Rebuild  
77247MB  
Check Con
Select Yes Or No  
Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
Using New Configuration  
When a RAID set already exists, using the New Configuration command  
erases the existing RAID configuration data. If you do not want to delete the  
existing RAID set, use the View/Add Configuration command to view or create  
another RAID configuration.  
To create a RAID set using the New Configuration option  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Configure > New Configuration, and  
then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Clear Existing Configuration And Start A New Configuration  
Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-39  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Follow step 2 to 7 of the previous section: Using Easy Configuration.  
Select Size from the Virtual Drive menu, and then press <Enter>.  
Key-in the desired virtual drive size, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
LD  
RAID  
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
0
1
77247MB  
2
64 KB  
ONLINE  
Managem
Configure  
Initializ
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Co
Enter VD Size (MB): 77247  
Virtual Drive 0  
RAID = 1  
Size = 77247MB  
DWC = Off  
RA  
= On  
Accept  
SPAN = NO  
Enter VD Size (MB):  
Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
5.  
Follow step 8 to 12 of the previous section: Using Easy Configuration to  
create the RAID set.  
5-40  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.4.2  
Adding or viewing a RAID configuration  
You can add a new RAID configuration or view an existing configuration using the  
View/Add Configuration command.  
Adding a new RAID configuration  
To add a new RAID configuration:  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Configure > View/Add Configuration,  
and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
View/Add to The Existing Configuration  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
The ARRAY SELECTION MENU displays the available drives connected to  
the SATA ports. Select the drive(s) you want to include in the RAID set, then  
press <Space>. When selected, the drive indicator changes from READY to  
ONLIN A[X]-[Y], where X is the array number, and Y is the drive number.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
View/Add Configuration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU  
Management
PORT #  
Configure  
0 ONLIN A00-00  
Initialize  
Objects  
1
2
3
ONLIN A00-01  
READY  
Rebuild  
Check Consist
READY  
Port # 2 DISK  
77247MB  
HDS728080PLA380  
PF20A60A  
SPACE-Sel,ENTER-EndArray,F10-Configure,F2-Drive Info,F3-Virtual Drives,F4-HSP  
The information of the selected hard disk drive displays at the bottom of the  
screen.  
3.  
Follow step 3 to 12 of section 5.2.1 Creating a RAID set: Using Easy  
Configuration to add a new RAID set.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-41  
5.4.3  
Initializing the virtual drives  
After creating the RAID set(s), you must initialize the virtual drives. You may  
initialize the virtual drives of a RAID set(s) using the Initialize or Objects command  
on the Management Menu.  
Using the Initialize command  
To initialize the virtual drive using the Initialize command  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Initialize, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Management Menu  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Initialize Virtual Drive(s)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
The screen displays the available RAID set(s) and prompts you to select the  
virtual drive to initialize. Use the arrow keys to select the virtual drive from the  
Virtual Drive selection, and then press <Space>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
1
Size  
#Stripes  
StripSz  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
0
151634MB  
2
64 KB  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Virtual Drives  
Virtual Drive 0  
Select VD  
SPACE-(De)Select, F10-Initialize  
5-42  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
3.  
Press <F10> to start initialization. When prompted, select Yes from the  
Initialize? dialog box, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
10  
Size  
#Stripes  
4
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
0
154494MB  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Initialize?  
Yes  
No  
Virtual Drives  
Virtual Drive 0  
Init Will Destroy Data On Selected VD(s)  
SPACE-(De)Select, F10-Initialize  
Initializing a virtual drive erases all data on the drive.  
4.  
A progress bar appears on screen. If desired, press <Esc> to abort  
initialization. When initialization is completed, press <Esc>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
10  
Size  
#Stripes  
4
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
0
154494MB  
Init Of VD Is In Process  
Initiali
Objects  
VD 0 Initialization Complete. Press Esc..  
Rebuild  
Check Co
100% Completed  
¦
Virtua
Virtual Drive 0  
SPACE-(De)Select, F10-Initialize  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-43  
Using the Objects command  
To initialize the virtual drives using the Objects command  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Objects > Virtual Drive, and then  
press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Objects  
Management
Adapter  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Virtual Drive  
Physical Drive  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Change VD Parameters  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
Select the virtual drive to initialize from the Virtual Drives sub-menu, and  
then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Vitual Drive(1)  
Virtual Drive 0  
Objects  
Management
Adapter  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Virtual Drive  
Physical Drive  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Select VD  
Press ENTER To Select A VD, <Del> To Delete A VD  
5-44  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
3.  
Select Initialize from the pop-up menu, and then press <Enter> to start  
initialization.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Vitual Drive(1)  
Virtual Drive 0  
Objects  
Management
Adapter  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Virtual Drive  
Physical Drive  
Vitual Drive(0)  
Rebuild  
Initialze  
Check Consistency  
Check Consistency  
View/Update Parameters  
Initilize VD  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
4.  
When prompted, press the <Space> to select Yes from the Initialize? dialog  
box, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Vitual Drive(1)  
Virtual Drive 0  
Objects  
Management
Adapter  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Virtual Drive  
Physical Drive  
Vitual Drive(0)  
Initialze  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Initialize?  
Check Cons
Yes  
View/Updat
No  
Initilize Will Destroy Data On Selected VD(s)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
5.  
A progress bar appears on screen. If desired, press <Esc> to abort  
initialization. When initialization is completed, press <Esc>.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-45  
5.4.4  
Rebuilding failed drives  
You can manually rebuild failed hard disk drives using the Rebuild command in the  
Management Menu.  
To rebuild a failed hard disk drive  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Rebuild, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Management Menu  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Rebuild PD(s)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
The PHYSICAL DRIVES SELECTION MENU displays the available drives  
connected to the SATA ports. Select the drive you want to rebuild, and then  
press <Space>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
REBUILD - PHYSICAL DRIVES SELECTION MENU  
Management
PORT #  
Configure  
0 ONLIN A00-00  
Initialize  
Objects  
1 FAIL A00-01  
Rebuild  
Check Consist
Port # 1 DISK  
77247MB  
HDS728080PLA380  
PF20A60A  
SPACE-(De)Select,F10-Start Rebuild,F2-Drive Information,F3-View Virtual Drives  
5-46  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
3.  
After selecting the drive to rebuild, press <F10>. When prompted, press <Y>  
to rebuild the drive.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
REBUILD - PHYSICAL DRIVES SELECTION MENU  
Management
PORT #  
Configure  
0 ONLIN A00-00  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuilding Of Drive Will Take A Few Minutes. Start Rebuilding Drive (Y/N)?  
Port # 1 DISK  
77247MB  
HDS728080PLA380  
PF20A60A  
SPACE-(De)Select,F10-Start Rebuild,F2-Drive Information,F3-View Virtual Drives  
4.  
When rebuild is complete, press any key to continue.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-47  
5.4.5  
Checking the drives for data consistency  
You can check and verify the accuracy of data redundancy in the selected virtual  
drive. The utility can automatically detect and/or detect and correct any differences  
in data redundancy depending on the selected option in the Objects > Adapter  
menu.  
The Check Consistency command is available only for virtual drives included  
in a RAID 1 or RAID 10 set.  
Using the Check Consistency Command  
To check data consistency using the Check Consistency command  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Check Consistency, and then press  
<Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Management Menu  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
CC Of VD(s)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
The screen displays the available RAID set(s) and prompts you to select  
the virtual drive to check. Press <Space> to select the virtual drive from the  
Virtual Drive sub-menu, and then press <F10>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
10  
Size  
#Stripes  
4
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
0
154494MB  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Virtual Drives  
Virtual Drive 0  
Select VD  
SPACE-(De)Select,  
F10-Check Consistency  
5-48  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
3.  
When prompted, use the arrow keys to select Yes from the Consistency  
Check? dialog box, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
10  
Size  
#Stripes  
4
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
0
154494MB  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Consistency Check?  
Yes  
No  
Virtual Drives  
Virtual Drive 0  
Select VD  
SPACE-(De)Select, F10-Check Consistency  
A progress bar appears on screen.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive(s) Configured  
Management Menu  
LD  
RAID  
10  
Size  
#Stripes  
4
StripSz  
64 KB  
Status  
ONLINE  
Configure  
0
154494MB  
CC Under Process  
Initiali
Objects  
VD 0 Consistency Check. Press Esc to Abort.  
Rebuild  
Check Co
85 % Completed  
¦
Virtua
Virtual Drive 0  
The Data On The Drives Is Inconsistency. Repair Done!  
SPACE-(De)Select, F10-Check Consistency  
4.  
While checking the disk consistency, press <Esc> to display the following  
options.  
Stop  
- Stops the consistency check. The utility stores the  
percentage of disk checked, and when you restart checking,  
it continues from the last percentage completed rather than  
from zero percent.  
Continue - Continues the consistency check.  
Abort  
- Aborts the consistency check. When you restart checking, it  
continues from zero percent.  
5.  
When checking is complete, press any key to continue.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-49  
Using the Objects command  
To check data consistency using the Objects command  
1.  
2.  
From the Management Menu, select Objects, and then select Virtual Drive  
from the sub-menu.  
Use the arrow keys to select the virtual drive you want to check, and then  
press <Enter>.  
3.  
4.  
Select Check Consistency from the pop-up menu, and then press <Enter>.  
When prompted, use the arrow keys to select Yes from the dialog box to  
check the drive.  
5.  
When checking is complete, press any key to continue.  
5-50  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.4.6  
Deleting a RAID configuration  
To delete a RAID configuration  
1.  
From the Management Menu, select Configure > Clear Configuration, and  
then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Clear Existing Configuration  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
2.  
When prompted, use the arrow keys to select Yes from the Clear  
Configuration? dialog box, and then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
Clear Configuration?  
View/Ad
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Yes  
Clear C
No  
Select
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Clear Existing Configuration  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
The utility clears all the current array(s).  
Press any key to continue.  
3.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-51  
5.4.7  
Selecting the boot drive from a RAID set  
You must have created a new RAID configuration before you can select the  
boot drive from a RAID set. See section 5.2.1 Creating a RAID set: Using New  
Configuration for details.  
To select the boot drive from a RAID set  
1.  
2.  
3.  
From the Management Menu, select Configure > Select Boot Drive, and  
then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Configuration Menu  
Easy Configuration  
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Select A Boot VD  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
When prompted, use the arrow keys to select the bootable virtual drive from  
the list, then press <Enter>.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Bootable VDs(1):Current Boot VD(0)  
Configu
Boot Drive 0  
Easy Confi
New Configuration  
Management
View/Add Configuration  
Clear Configuration  
Select Boot Drive  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
Select A Boot VD  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
The virtual drive is selected as boot drive. Press any key to continue.  
5-52  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
5.4.8  
Enabling WriteCache  
You may manually enable the RAID controller’s WriteCache option after creating a  
RAID set to improve the data transmission performance.  
When you enable WriteCache, you may lose data when a power interruption occurs  
while transmitting or exchanging data among the drives.  
The WriteCache function is recommended for RAID 1 and RAID 10 sets.  
To enable WriteCache  
1.  
2.  
From the Management Menu, select Objects > Adapter, and then press  
<Enter> to display the adapter properties.  
Select Disk WC, and then press <Enter> to turn on the option.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Adapter 0  
Rebuild Rate  
Objec
= 30  
Chk Const Rate = 30  
Management
Adapter  
FGI Rate  
BGI Rate  
Disk WC  
= 30  
= 30  
Configure  
Initialize  
Objects  
Virtual Driv
Physical Dri
= Off  
= On  
Read Ahead  
Bios State  
Rebuild  
Check Consistency  
= Enable  
Stop On Error = No  
Fast Init  
= Enable  
Auto Rebuild  
Auto Resume  
= On  
= Enable  
Disk Coercion = 1GB  
Factory Default  
Disk Write Cache - Off(Write Through) or On(Write Back)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
3.  
4.  
From the Management Menu, select Objects > Virtual Drive, and then  
press <Enter> to display the adapter properties.  
Select Disk WC, and then press <Enter> to turn on the option.  
LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility Ver A.62 Apr 29, 2009  
BIOS Version  
A.09.04300936R  
Virtual Drive  
RAID  
Ob
= 0  
Size  
Stripe Size  
Virtual Dr
= 1428604MB  
= 64KB  
= 2  
Management
Adapter  
Configure  
#Stripes  
Initialize  
Objects  
Physical D
State  
= OPTIMAL  
= 1  
= On  
= On  
Spans  
Rebuild  
Disk WC  
Read Ahead  
Check Consistency  
Disk Write Cache - Off(Write Through) or On(Write Back)  
Use Cursor Keys To Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option  
5.  
When finished, press any key to continue.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
5-53  
5-54  
Chapter 5: RAID configuration  
This chapter provides instructions for  
installing the necessary drivers for  
different system components.  
Driver  
6
installation  
Chapter summary  
6
6.1  
6.2  
6.3  
6.4  
6.5  
RAID driver installation ............................................................... 6-3  
Intel chipset device software installation ................................ 6-19  
LAN driver installation............................................................... 6-21  
VGA driver installation............................................................... 6-23  
Management application and utilities installation .................. 6-25  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6.1  
RAID driver installation  
After creating the RAID sets for your server system, you are now ready to install  
an operating system to the independent hard disk drive or bootable array. This  
part provides instructions on how to install the RAID controller drivers during OS  
installation.  
6.1.1  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
The system does not include a floppy drive. You have to use a USB floppy drive  
when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.  
If you have created RAID sets with the LSI Software RAID configuration utility,  
the boot priority of the SATA optical disk drive has to be manually adjusted.  
Otherwise, the system will not boot from the connected SATA ODD.  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® or  
Red Hat® Enterprise operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in  
a RAID set. You can create a RAID driver disk in DOS (using the Makedisk  
application in the support DVD).  
To create a RAID driver disk in DOS environment  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the motherboard support DVD in the optical drive.  
Restart the computer, and then enter the BIOS Setup.  
Select the optical drive as the first boot priority to boot from the support DVD.  
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.  
4.  
Restart the computer. The Makedisk menu appears.  
Create Driver Diskette Menu  
PCH INTEL RAID Driver  
PCH LSI RAID Driver  
Marvell 88SE6145 SATA RAID Driver  
Marvell 88SE6145 SATA Non-RAID Driver  
LSI 1068E SAS Driver  
Write DMI  
FreeDOS command prompt  
5.  
Use the arrow keys to select the type of RAID driver disk you want to create  
and press <Enter> to enter the sub-menu.  
PCH INTEL RAID Driver  
PCH INTEL RAID Driver  
Windows 32 bit(also support AHCI)  
Windows 64 bit(also support AHCI)  
Back  
Exit  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-3  
PCH LSI RAID Driver  
PCH LSI RAID Driver  
Windows XP 32 bit  
Windows XP 64 bit  
Windows Server 2003 32 bit  
Windows Server 2003 64 bit  
Windows Vista 32 bit  
Windows Vista 64 bit  
Windows Server 2008 32 bit  
Windows Server 2008 64 bit  
RHEL AS4 UP5 32/64 bit  
RHEL AS4 UP6 32/64 bit  
RHEL AS4 UP7 32/64 bit  
RHEL AS4 UP8 32/64 bit  
RHEL 5 32/64 bit  
RHEL 5 UP1 32/64 bit  
RHEL 5 UP2 32/64 bit  
RHEL 5 UP3 32/64 bit  
SLES 9 SP3 32 bit  
SLES 9 SP3 64 bit  
SLES 9 SP4 32 bit  
SLES 9 SP4 64 bit  
SLES 10 32 bit  
SLES 10 64 bit  
LSI 1068E SAS Driver  
LSI 1068E SAS Driver  
Windows XP 32 bit  
Windows XP 64 bit  
Windows Server 2003 32 bit  
Windows Server 2003 64 bit  
Windows Vista 32 bit  
Windows Vista 64 bit  
Windows Server 2008 32 bit  
Windows Server 2008 64 bit  
Windows 7 32 bit  
Windows 7 64 bit  
Windows Server 2008 R2 64 bit  
RHEL 3 UP6/UP8/UP9 32 bit  
RHEL 3 UP6/UP8/UP9 64 bit  
RHEL 4 32 bit  
RHEL 4 64 bit  
RHEL 4 UP1 32 bit  
RHEL 4 UP1 64 bit  
RHEL 4 UP2 32 bit  
RHEL 4 UP2 64 bit  
RHEL 4 UP3 32 bit  
RHEL 4 UP3 64 bit  
RHEL 4 UP4 32 bit  
6-4  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.  
Locate the RAID driver and place a blank, high-density floppy disk to the  
floppy disk drive.  
7.  
8.  
Press <Enter>.  
Follow screen instructions to create the driver disk.  
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows® environment  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Start Windows®.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.  
Go to the Make Disk menu, and then select the type of RAID driver disk you  
want to create.  
4.  
5.  
Insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.  
Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To create a RAID driver disk in Red Hat® Enterprise Linux server environment  
1.  
2.  
Insert a blank formatted high-density floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.  
dd if=XXX.img of=/dev/fd0  
Type  
to decompress the file into the floppy  
disk from the following path in the support DVD:  
For LSI MegaRAID Driver  
\Drivers\PCH LSI RAID\Driver\makedisk\Linux  
Eject the floppy disk.  
3.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-5  
6.1.2  
Installing the RAID controller driver  
Windows® Server OS  
During Windows® Server OS installation  
To install the RAID controller driver when installing Windows® Server OS:  
1.  
Boot the computer using the Windows® Server installation DVD. The  
Windows® Server OS Setup starts.  
Windows Setup  
Press F6 if you need to install a third party SCSI or RAID driver...  
2.  
3.  
Press <F6> when the message “Press F6 if you need to install a third party  
SCSI or RAID driver...” appears at the bottom of the screen.  
When prompted, press <S> to specify an additional device.  
Windows Setup  
Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices  
installed in your system, or you have chosen to manually specify an adapter.  
Currently, Setup will load support for the following mass storage devices(s):  
<none>  
* To specify additional SCSI adapters, DVD-ROM drives, or special  
disk controllers for use with Windows, including those for  
which you have a device support disk from a mass storage device  
manufacturer, press S.  
* If you do not have any device support disks from a mass storage  
device manufacturer, or do not want to specify additional  
mass storage devices for use with Windows, press ENTER.  
S=Specify Additional Device  
ENTER=Continue  
F3=Exit  
6-6  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
4.  
Insert the RAID driver disk you created earlier to the floppy disk drive, then  
press <Enter>.  
Windows Setup  
Please insert the disk labeled  
Manufacturer-supplied hardware support disk  
into Drive A:  
*
Press ENTER when ready.  
ENTER=Continue  
ESC=Cancel  
F3=Exit  
5.  
6.  
Select the RAID controller driver you need from the list, then press <Enter>.  
The Windows® Setup loads the RAID controller drivers from the RAID driver  
disk. When prompted, press <Enter> to continue installation.  
7.  
Setup then proceeds with the OS installation. Follow screen instructions to  
continue.  
To an existing Windows® Server OS  
To install the RAID controller driver on an existing Windows® Server OS  
1.  
2.  
Restart the computer, and then log in with Administrator privileges.  
Windows® automatically detects the RAID controller and displays a New  
Hardware Found window. Click Cancel.  
3.  
4.  
Right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows® desktop, and then select  
Properties from the menu.  
Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button to display  
the list of devices installed in the system.  
5.  
6.  
7.  
8.  
9.  
Right-click the RAID controller item, then select Properties.  
Click the Driver tab, and then click the Update Driver button.  
The Upgrade Device Driver Wizard window appears. Click Next.  
Insert the RAID driver disk you created earlier to the floppy disk drive.  
Select the option Install the software automatically (Recommended), and  
then click Next.  
10. The wizard searches the RAID controller drivers. When found, click Next to  
install the drivers.  
11. Click Finish after the driver installation is done.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-7  
To verify the RAID controller driver installation:  
1.  
Right-click the My Computer icon on the Windows® desktop, and then select  
Properties from the menu.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button.  
Click the “+” sign before the item SCSI and RAID controllers, and then the  
Intel(R) ICH8R/ICH9R/ICH10R/DO/PCH SATA RAID Controller item should  
appear.  
The screen differs based on the controller.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Right-click the RAID controller driver item, and then select Properties from  
the menu.  
Click the Driver tab, and then click the Driver Details button to display the  
RAID controller drivers.  
Click OK when finished.  
6-8  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
Red Hat® Enterprise Linux OS 4.7/4.8  
To install the RAID controller driver when installing Red Hat® Enterprise OS:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Boot the system from the Red Hat® OS installation CD.  
At the boot:, type linux dd nostorage.  
Press <Enter>.  
-
-
-
To install or upgrade in graphical mode, press the <ENTER> key.  
To install or upgrade in text mode, type: linux text <ENTER>.  
Use the function keys listed below for more information.  
[F1-Main] [F2-Options] [F3-General] [F4-Kernel] [F5-Rescue]  
boot: linux dd nostorage  
4.  
Select Yes using the <Tab> key when asked if you have the driver disk, then  
press <Enter>.  
Main Menu  
Do you have a driver disk?  
Yes  
No  
5.  
Press <Enter> to continue.  
Insert Driver Disk  
Insert your driver disk into /dev/sda  
and press “OK” to continue.  
OK  
Cancel  
6.  
Select No and press <Enter> to continue.  
More Driver Disks?  
Do you wish to load any more  
driver disks?  
Yes  
No  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-9  
7.  
Select your desired language and press <Enter> to continue.  
Choose a Language  
What language would you like to use  
during the installation process?  
Catalan  
Chinese(Simplified)  
#
Chinese(Traditional)  
Croatian  
Czech  
Danish  
Dutch  
English  
OK  
8.  
Select your keyboard type and press <Enter> to continue.  
Keyboard Type  
What type of keyboard do you have?  
trq  
ua  
ua-utf  
ua-utf-ws  
uk  
#
unicode  
us  
OK  
Back  
6-10  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
9.  
Select the media and press <tab> to select OK. Press<Enter> to continue.  
Installation Method  
What type of media contains the  
packages to be installed?  
Local CDROM  
Hard drive  
NFS image  
FTP  
HTTP  
OK  
Back  
10. Select the media and press <tab> to select OK. Press <Enter> to continue.  
No driver found  
Unable to find any devices of the type  
needed for this installation type.  
Would you like to manually select your  
driver or use a driver disk?  
Select driver  
Use a driver disk  
Back  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-11  
11. Scroll down to locate the driver and press <Enter> to continue.  
Select Device Driver to Load  
Please select the driver below which you wish to load. If  
it does not appear and you have a driver disk, press F2.  
LSI Logic Fusion MPT SPI Driver (mptspi)  
LSI MegaRAID Controllers (megaraid_mbox)  
LSI MegaRAID Controllers (megaraid_sas)  
LSI megasr Driver ver 13.10.0708.2009 (megasr)  
Marvell SATA controllers (sata_mv)  
Mylex DAC960 RAID Controller (DAC960)  
[] Specify optional module arguments  
OK  
Back  
The driver version may vary with time and model. Select LSI Mega Software  
RAID driver (LSI megasr Driver) all the time.  
12. Select Skip and press <Enter> to continue.  
CD Found  
To begin testing the CD media before  
installation press OK.  
Choose Skip to skip the media test  
and start the installation.  
OK  
Skip  
6-12  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
13. Select Done and press <Enter> to continue.  
Devices  
The following devices have been found on your system.  
Intel Pro/1000 (e1000e)  
LSI megasr Driver ver 13.10.0708.2009 (megasr)  
USB Mass Storage driver for Linux (usb-storage)  
Done  
Add Device  
The displayed devices may vary with models and systems.  
14. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish installing the RedHat operating  
system.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-13  
Red Hat® Enterprise Linux OS 5.0  
To install the RAID controller driver when installing Red Hat® Enterprise OS:  
1.  
2.  
Boot the system from the Red Hat® OS installation CD.  
At the boot:, type linux dd noprobe=ata[n]. The number of ata varies with  
the hard disk drive number you have when building a RAID set. For example, if  
you want to build a RAID set with 6 hard disk drives, type command line: linux  
dd noprobe=ata1 noprobe=ata2 noprobe=ata3 noprobe=ata4 noprobe=ata5  
noprobe=ata6.  
3.  
Press <Enter>.  
-
-
-
To install or upgrade in graphical mode, press the <ENTER> key.  
To install or upgrade in text mode, type: linux text <ENTER>.  
Use the function keys listed below for more information.  
[F1-Main] [F2-Options] [F3-General] [F4-Kernel] [F5-Rescue]  
boot: linux dd noprobe=ata[n]  
4.  
Select Yes using the <Tab> key when asked if you have the driver disk, then  
press <Enter>.  
Main Menu  
Do you have a driver disk?  
Yes  
No  
5.  
Select fd0 using the <Tab> key when asked to select the driver disk source.  
Press <Tab> to move the cursor to OK, then press <Enter>.  
Driver Disk Source  
You have multiple devices which could  
serve as sources for a driver disk.  
Which would you like to use?  
fd0  
scd0  
OK  
Cancel  
6-14  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.  
Insert the Red Hat® Enterprise RAID driver disk to the floppy disk drive, select  
OK, then press <Enter>.  
Insert Driver Disk  
Insert your driver disk into /dev/fd0  
and press “OK” to continue.  
OK  
Back  
The drivers for the RAID card are installed to the system.  
7.  
When asked if you will load additional RAID controller drivers, select No, then  
press <Enter>.  
More Driver Disks?  
Do you wish to load any more  
driver disks?  
Yes  
No  
8.  
9.  
Follow the onscreen instructions to finish the OS installation.  
If you install RHEL AS5, when the installation is completed, DO NOT click  
Reboot. Press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <F2> to switch to the command-line interface  
from graphic user interface.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-15  
10. Type the following commands when using a USB floppy.  
cat /proc/partitions  
Write down the Major and Minor number before sdb for later use.  
mknod /dev/sdb b [major number] [minor number]  
mkdir /mnt/driver  
mount /dev/sdb /mnt/driver  
cd /mnt/driver  
sh replace_ahci.sh  
reboot  
6-16  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
SUSE Linux OS  
To install the RAID controller driver when installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server  
OS:  
1.  
2.  
Boot the system from the SUSE OS installation CD.  
Use the arrow keys to select Installation from the Boot Options menu.  
Boot from Hard Disk  
Installation  
Installation--ACPI Disabled  
Installation--Local APIC Disabled  
Installation--Safe Settings  
Rescue System  
Memory Test  
Boot Options |  
F1 Help F2 Language F3 1280 x 1024 F4 DVD F5 Driver  
3.  
Press <F5>, then select Yes from the menu. Press <Enter>.  
Boot from Hard Disk  
Installation  
Installation--ACPI Disabled  
Installation--Local APIC Disabled  
Installation--Safe Settings  
Rescue System  
Memory Test  
Yes  
No  
Boot Options |  
File  
F1 Help F2 Language F3 1280 x 1024 F4 DVD F5 Driver  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-17  
4.  
Insert the RAID driver disk to the floppy disk drive. Make sure that Installation  
from the Boot Options menu is selected, then press <Enter>.  
Boot from Hard Disk  
Installation  
Installation--ACPI Disabled  
Installation--Local APIC Disabled  
Installation--Safe Settings  
Rescue System  
Memory Test  
Boot Options |  
F1 Help F2 Language F3 1280 x 1024 F4 DVD F5 Driver  
brokenmodules=ahci  
If you install SLES 10, type  
after Boot Options and  
press Enter to continue.  
5.  
When below screen appears, select the floppy disk drive (fd0) as the driver  
update medium. Select OK, then press <Enter>.  
Please choose the Driver Update medium.  
fd0: Floppy  
sr0: CD-ROM, TEAC DV-516E  
sda: Disk, SEAGATE ST336754SS  
sdb: Disk, SEAGATE ST336754SS  
Other device  
OK  
Back  
The drivers for the RAID controller are installed to the system.  
6-18  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.2  
Intel® chipset device installation  
This section provides instructions on how to install the Plug and Play components  
for the Intel® chipset on the system.  
You need to manually install the Intel® chipset software on a Windows Server  
operating system. To install the Intel® chipset device software:  
1.  
2.  
Restart the computer, then log on with Administrator privileges.  
Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive. The support  
DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your  
computer.  
3.  
Click the item Intel Chipset Device Software from the menu.  
4.  
The Intel(R) Chipset Device Software window appears. Click Next to start  
installation.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-19  
5.  
6.  
7.  
Select Yes to accept the terms of the License Agreement and continue the  
process.  
Read the Readme File Information and press Next to continue the  
installation.  
After completing the installation, click Finish to complete the setup process.  
6-20  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.3  
LAN driver installation  
This section provides instructions on how to install the Marvell® Yukon Ethernet  
driver on a Windows® Server OS.  
To install the LAN controller drivers  
1.  
2.  
Restart the computer, and then log on with Administrator privileges.  
Insert the motherboard/system support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD  
automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your  
computer.  
Windows® automatically detects the LAN controllers and displays a New  
Hardware Found window. Click Cancel to close this window.  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the  
support DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-  
click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
3.  
Click the Marvell Yukon Ethernet Driver to begin installation.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-21  
4.  
Click I accept the terms of the License Agreement and click Install to  
continue.  
5.  
Marvell MiniPort Driver Setup window appears, showing the installing  
process.  
6.  
Click Finish to close the wizard.  
6-22  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.4  
VGA driver installation  
This section provides instructions on how to install the XGI Volari Z9s Video  
Graphics Adapter (VGA) driver.  
6.4.1  
Windows® Server 2003  
You need to manually install the XGI Volari Z9s VGA driver on a Windows® Server  
2003 operating system. To install the XGI Volari Z9s VGA driver:  
1.  
2.  
Restart the computer, then log on with Administrator privileges.  
Insert the motherboard/system support CD to the optical drive. The support  
CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your  
computer.  
The Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
3.  
The XGI VGA Package window appears, preparing the setup.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-23  
4.  
Click Next to start the installation.  
5.  
6.  
The system will update the VGA driver automatically.  
When the installation completes, click Finish to restart your computer before  
using the program.  
6-24  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
6.5  
Management applications and utilities  
installation  
The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,  
management 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 (www.asus.com) for updates.  
6.5.1  
Running the support DVD  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the  
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
6.5.2  
Drivers menu  
The Drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed  
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
The screen display and driver options vary under different operating system  
versions.  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
6-25  
6.5.3  
Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu displays the  
software applications and utilities  
that the motherboard supports.  
Click an item to install.  
6.5.4  
Make disk menu  
The Make disk menu contains  
items to create the Intel Matrix  
Storage and LSI MegaRAID  
driver disks.  
6.5.5  
Contact information  
Click the Contact tab to display  
the ASUS contact information.  
You can also find this information  
on the inside front cover of this  
user guide.  
6-26  
Chapter 6: Driver installation  
This appendix includes additional  
information that you may refer to when  
configuring the motherboard.  
Reference information  
A
Appendix summary  
A
A.1  
A.2  
P7F-C/SAS block diagram...........................................................A-3  
P7F-C/4L block diagram ..............................................................A-4  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
A.1  
P7F-C/SAS Series block diagram  
ASUS P7F-C Series  
A-3  
A.2  
P7F-C/4L Series block diagram  
A-4  
Appendix A: Reference information  

Hitachi CMP5000WXJ User Manual
Grundig DIGI 100 SERVICE MANUAL CUC 1838 User Manual
GE Monogram ZET2P User Manual
Fujitsu MHR2030AT User Manual
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Electrolux FCE043L User Manual
Black Box USB DIRECTOR RS 232 User Manual
BenQ LCD Monitor 9H L8PLB QPA User Manual
Asus P7H55 User Manual
Asus M2A MVP User Manual