NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology .................................................... 5-12
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.
vii
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and
Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical
substances in our products at ASUS website at http://csr.asus.com/english/
REACH.htm.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services
ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest
standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you
to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well
as the packaging materials. Please go to http://csr.asus.com/english/Takeback.htm
for detailed recycling information in different regions.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been
designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the
crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic
equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.
viii
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.
Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
•
Chapter 2: Hardware 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: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package and the software.
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
This chapter describes how to install and configure multiple ATI®
CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1.
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.
x
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to 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
Italics
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed 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+Del>
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 command line:
BUPDATER /iP9X79WS.ROM
xi
P9X79 WS specifications summary
CPU
2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor family for the
LGA 2011 Socket
Intel® Xeon® series processor for the LGA 2011 Socket
* Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
** Refer to www.asus.com for CPU support list
Chipset
Memory
Intel® X79 Express Chipset
8 x DIMM, Max. 64GB, DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.
C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz, ECC, Non-ECC, un-
buffered Memory
Quad channel memory architecture
Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical
characteristics of individual CPUs.
** Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz
memory module will run at DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz
as default.
*** Refer to www.asus.com for the memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors Lists).
Expansion Slots
4 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (dual@x16/x16; Quad@x8/x8/x8/
x8; Triple@x16/x8/x8)
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (White@x4 speed)
* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC.
Functions will be available when using PCIe 3.0-
compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.com for
updated details.
Multi-GPU support
Storage
Supports NVIDIA® 4-Way SLI™ Technology
Supports AMD® Quad-GPU CrossFireX™ Technology
Intel® X79 Express Chipset:
-
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10
support
-
4 x SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5 and 10
support
Marvell® 9128 SATA controllers:
2 x SATA 6Gb/s ports
-
LAN
USB
1 x Intel® 82579V Gigabit LAN PHY
1 x Intel® 82574L Gigabit LAN controller
ASMedia USB 3.0 controllers
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at mid-board for front panel
support
- 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel
Intel®X79 Express Chipset
- 13 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (5 ports at mid-board, 8 ports at
back panel)
(continued on the next page)
xii
P9X79 WS specifications summary
Audio
Realtek® ALC 898 8-channel High Definition Audio
CODEC
-
-
-
Supports 192kHz/ 24bit BD Lossless Sound
DTS Surround Sensation UltraPC II
Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and
Front Panel Jack-Retasking
-
Optical S/PDIF Out port at back I/O
ASUS Unique Features
ASUS Power Design
-
-
8+2 Phase Power Design
CPU Power Utility
ASUS DRAM Power
-
-
Industry leading Digital 2+2 Phase Power Design
DRAM Power Utility
ASUS TPU
-
-
Auto Tuning, TurboV
TPU Switch
ASUS EPU
-
-
EPU Utility
EPU Switch
ASUS Exclusive Features
-
ASUS UEFI BIOS EZ Mode featuring friendly
graphics user interface
ASUS SSD Caching
USB 3.0 Boost
Front Panel USB 3.0 Support
MemOK!
-
-
-
-
-
-
AI Suite II
AI Charger+
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution
- ASUS Fan Xpert+
ASUS EZ DIY
-
-
-
-
-
USB BIOS Flashback
ASUS O.C. Profile
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
ASUS MyLogo 2
Multi-language BIOS
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Code
ASUS Shield
ASUS Q-Slot
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-DIMM
(continued on the next page)
xiii
P9X79 WS specifications summary
Workstation Unique
Features
6 x PCIe x 16 slots
Quick Gate: 1 vertical USB 2.0 on board
ASUS SASsaby series Cards support
ASUS WS Diag. LED
ASUS WS 3-color LED
BIOS Features
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ
Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
Back Panel I/O Ports
2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports (blue)
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports (white port can be switched to USB
BIOS Flashback)
1 x USB BIOS Flashback Switch
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port
1 x PS/2 Mouse port
1 x IEEE1394a
2 x Lan Connector
1 x optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x 8-channel Audio I/O
Internal I/O Connectors
1 x USB 3.0/2.0 connector support additional 2 USB ports
(19-pin)
2 x USB 2.0/1/1 connectors support additional 4 USB
ports
1 x USB 2.0/1.1 trpe A vertical ports
4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
4 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector (4-pin)
1 x CPU Opt Fan connectors (4-pin)
4 x Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin)
1 x Front panel audio connector(AAFP)
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Clear CMOS button
1 x 24-pin EATX Power connector
1 x 8-pin EATX 12V Power connector
1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)
1 x 4-pin EZ_PLUG Power connector
1 x MemOK! Button
1 x EPU switch
1 x TPU switch
1 x PWR button
1 x Reset button
Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
(continued on the next page)
xiv
Accessories
4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s cables
4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s cables
1 x ASUS 4-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS 3-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x ASUS SLI bridge connector
2 in 1 Q-connector
I/O shield
User’s Manual
Support DVD
Form Factor
Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
CEB Form Factor, 12"x 10.5"
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xv
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Chapter 1: Product
1
introduction
Chapter summary
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
Special features............................................................................ 1-2
ASUS P9X79 WS
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS P9X79 WS 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.
Motherboard
I/O modules
Cables
ASUS P9X79 WS
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 + 1-port eSATA3.0 module
4 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s power cables
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s cables
1 x COM port cable
Accessories
1 x ASUS Q-Shield (I/O shield)
1 x ASUS 2-in-1 Q-Connector Kit (Retail version only)
1 x 2-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x 3-Way SLI bridge connector
1 x 4-Way SLI bridge connector
Application DVD
Documentation
ASUS motherboard support DVD
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS P9X79 WS
1-1
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
Intel® Socket 2011 for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor
Extreme Edition
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor
Extreme in LGA2011 package, with memory and PCI Express controllers
integrated to quad-channel (8 DIMMs) DDR3 memory and 16 PCI Express 2.0
lanes. This provides great graphicsperformance. Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7
Processor Extreme is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the
world.
Intel® X79 Express Chipset
The Intel® X79 Express Chipset is the latest single-chipset design that supports the
new socket 2011 Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i7 Processor Extreme. It improves
performance by utilizing serial point-to-point links, allowing for increased bandwidth
and stability. Additionally,the X79 comes with 2 SATA 6Gb/s and 4 SATA 3Gb/s
ports for faster data retrieval, doubling the bandwidth of current bus systems.
PCIe 3.0 Ready
The latest PCI Express bus standard delivers improved encoding for twice
the performance of current PCIe 2.0. Total bandwidth for a x16 link reaches a
maximum of 32GB/s, double the 16GB/s of PCIe 2.0 (in x16 mode). PCIe 3.0
provides users unprecedented data speeds, combined with the convenicnce
and seamless transition offered by complete backward compatibility with PCIe
1.0 and PCIe 2.0 devices. It is a must-have feature PC users aiming to improve
and optimize graphics performance, as well as have the latest, most future-proof
technology.
* This motherboard is ready to support PCIe 3.0 SPEC. Functions will be
available when using PCIe 3.0-compliant devices. Please refer to www.asus.
com for updated details.
Quad-Channel DDR3 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz
Support
The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of
2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866/1600/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth
requirements ofthe latest operation system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications. The quadchannel DDR3 architecture quadruple the bandwidth of your
system memory to boost system performance.
* Due to CPU behavior, DDR3 2200/2000/1800 MHz memory module will run at
DDR3 2133/1866/1600 MHz frequency as default.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Extra SATA 6.0 Gb/s Support
The Intel® X79 Express Chipset natively supports the next-generation Serial ATA
(SATA) interface, delivering up to 6.0 Gb/s data transfer. ASUS provides extra
SATA 6.0 Gb/s ports with enhanced scalability, faster data retrieval, and double the
bandwidth of current bus systems.
Complete USB 3.0 Integration
ASUS facilitates strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panel
– 4USB 3.0 ports in total. Experience the latest plug & play connectivity at speeds
up to 10 times faster than USB 2.0. The P9X79 WS affords greater convenience to
high speed connectivity.
1.3.2
ASUS Workstation Exclusive Features
Best graphics performance for 4-Way NVIDIA® GeForce® SLI™
Native second generation PCI-Expressx16 4-way SLI™ offers the fastest and most
reliable graphics performance ever. It's ideal for professional use in mechanical,
architectural, interior design, aeronautics, audio and video design applications.
Additionally, this ample graphics power can easily run even the most demanding
PC games in full detail for enhanced entertainment.
WS 3-color LED
At a glance workstation overclocking status with easy to understand color coding.
Red means overclocked, blue means normal, while green denotes power saving
mode. This is an essential and convenient tool to let users know more about
overclocking conditions without entering the BIOS.
Built-in Dual Intel Server-Class Gigabit LAN
To enhance network reliability, the P9X79 WS is built in dual Intel® Gigabit LAN that
features lower CPU utilization, less package drop rate, wide driver supported. Base
on performance testing, CPU utilization of Intel lan can achieve 71% improvement
to allocate CPU resource more efficiently. Intel lan also support teaming and fault-
tolerance functions, the two LAN ports provide double the bandwidth and network
redundancy.
Quad-GPU CrossFireX Support!
P9X79 WS brings you the multi-GPU choice of either SLI™ or CrossFireX™. The
motherboard features the most powerful Intel® X79 platform to optimize PCIe
allocation in multiple GPU configurations. Expect a brand-new gaming style you’ve
never experienced before!
ASUS P9X79 WS
1-3
Diag. LED
Diag. LED checks key components (CPU, memory, graphics card and hard drive)
in sequence during bootup. If an error is found, the LED next to the relevant
device will stay lit until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an
intuitive way to locate root problems in seconds.
Quick Gate
Quick Gate is a vertical USB connector on the motherboard, allowing you to install
USB devices directly with no messy cables. This stops important data storage
devices from breaking off unexpectedly. P9X79 WS with this unique design
provides a convenient and safe way to install data and applications on your PC.
1.3.3
ASUS features
New DIGI+ Power Control
All-New Digital Power Control for both CPU and DRAM
ASUS X79 motherboards include New DIGI+ Power Control with two digital voltage
regulator modules (VRMs), including an all-new DRAM controller that allows
ultra-precise memory tuning in addition to CPU voltage control. This evolution of
innovative, industry-leading ASUS technology provides super-accurate voltages for
better efficiency, stability and performance.
Best in class power efficiency and stability
Two critical components work perfectly together to match digital power signal
(SVID) requests from the CPU, with ultra-fast sensing and response to efficiently
deliver the right level of power on demand. Accurate power reduces wasteful
imprecision, and provides more stable CPU Vcore voltages.
Increased CPU and DRAM overclocking range
With programmable digital controllers onboard, users can adjust CPU and
DRAM PWM voltages and frequencies for various overclocking scenarios, with
accurate input through UEFI BIOS tuning or the exclusive ASUS interface. System
performance can also be customized with specific CPU and DRAM power controls,
including new VCCSA load line calibration for increased voltage range, greater
VCCSA current capability, and up to 30% more capacitance. This proprietary
design, with its precise yet flexible power adjustments, increases overclocking
headroom to push performance to its full potential.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
8+2 Phase Power Design
To fully unleash the latest Intel® Sandy Bridge-E CPU´s potential, this motherboard
has adopted a brand new digital 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high
power efficiency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power
components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component
lifespan. This motherboard also features an extra 2-phase power dedicated to
integrated memory controller.
EPU
Tap into the world’s first real-time PC power saving chip through a simple
onboard switch or AI Suite II utility. Get total system-wide energy optimization by
automatically detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power
consumption. This also reduces fan noise and extends component longevity.
ASUS SSD Caching
SSD caching from ASUS is easier than ever. At 3X faster, this feature boosts
system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity limitations
as a cache for frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like
performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click, no rebooting
needed and instant activation for complete ease of use.
TPU
Unleash your performance with ASUS’ simple onboard switch or AI Suite II utility.
The TPU chip offers precise voltage control and advanced monitoring through Auto
Tuning and TurboVfunctions. Auto tuning offers a user friendly way to automatically
optimize the system for fast,yet stable clock speeds, while TurboV enables
unlimited freedom to adjust CPU frequenciesand ratios for optimized performance
in diverse situations.
MemOK!
MemOK! quickly ensures memory boot compatibility. This remarkable memory
rescue tool requires a mere push of a button to patch memory issues. MemOK!
determines failsafe settings and dramatically improves your system boot success.
AI Suite II
With its user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all exclusive ASUS
features into one simple-to-use package with an elegant design theme. It allows
users to supervise overclocking, energy management, fan speeds, voltage, and
sensor readings. This all-inone software offers diverse and easy to use functions,
with no need to switch back and forth between different utilities.
ASUS P9X79 WS
1-5
USB 3.0 Boost
New ASUS USB 3.0 Boost technology supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI
Protocol), the latest USB 3.0 standard. With USB 3.0 Boost technology, the
performance of a USB device transmission speed is significantly increased up to
130% (TBD), adding to an already impressive fast USB 3.0 transfer speed. With
USB 3.0 Boost technology, the system provides a user-friendly graphical interface,
which spontaneously accelerates the transfer speed through USB 3.0 peripherals
with an ASUS exclusive auto-detect setting.
USB BIOS Flashback
USB BIOS Flashback offers the most convenient way to flash the BIOS ever! It allows
overclockers to try new BIOS versions easily, without even entering their existing BIOS or
operating system. Just plug in USB storage and push the dedicated button for 3 seconds,
and the BIOS is automatically flashed using standby power. Worry-free overclocking for the
ultimate convenience!
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solution
The stylish heatsink offers 0dB cooling for a quiet PC environment. Attractive
design enhances the look of the board and case, while temperatures in
the chipset and power phase areas stay lower through high efficiency heat
exchange. Combining usability and aesthetics,the stylish ASUS heatsink
gives users an extremely silent and cool experience with elegant design.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and
affect the heat dissipation performance.
ASUS Fan Xpert+
Hardware-level ASUS Fan Xpert+ allows users to independently adjust both
CPU and case fan speeds with multiple dedicated controllers based on
different ambient temperatures,climate conditions and system loads. Built-in
profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a
quiet and cool computing environment.
ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows users to adjust both the CPU and chassis
fan speed according to different ambient temperature, which is caused
by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and system
loading. Built-in variety of useful profiles offer flexible controls of fan speed to
achieve a quiet and cool environment.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS UEFI BIOS
ASUS UEFI BIOS offers the first mouse-controlled graphical BIOS designed with selectable
modes, providing a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only
controls. It also natively supports fully-utilized hard drives larger than 2.2TB in 64-bit
operating systems.
ASUS exclusive interface
EZ Mode displays frequently-accessed info. Users can choose system
performance settings and drag and drop boot priorities. Advanced Mode for
performance enthusiasts includes detailed DRAM settings via a dedicated memory
info page for complete insight.
New upgrade! Quick and easy info for enhanced system control
- F12 BIOS snapshot hotkey for sharing UEFI setup info and troubleshooting
- New F3 Shortcut for most accessed info
- ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) Information for accessing memory
info,
detecting faulty DIMMs and helping with
difficult POST situations.
ASUS Q-Design
ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-Slot, Q-Code and
Q-DIMM design speed up and simplify the DIY process!
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual "fingers" - making
it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects
your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic
Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front
panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of
connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable
connections.
ASUS EZ-Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly utility that allows you to update the BIOS
without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
ASUS P9X79 WS
1-7
1.3.4
Other special features
DTS UltraPC II
DTS UltraPC II delivers exceptional 7.1 surround through the most popular
PC audio setups - your existing stereo speakers or headphones. In addition to
virtual surround, it upgrades original sound to new levels with Audio Restoration,
recreating the dynamic range of audio files. Symmetry mode improves the balance
of perceived loudness across different input sources and Enhance boosts audio
quality through high and low frequency equalization. With these technologies,
users experience better home theater audio with ease.
DTS Connect
To get the most out of your audio entertainment across all formats and quality levels, DTS
Connect combines two enabling technologies. DTS Neo:PC™ upmixes stereo sources (CDs,
MP3s, WMAs, internet radio) into as many as 7.1 channels of incredible surround sound.
Consumers can then connect their PC to a home theater system.DTS Interactive is capable
of performing multi-channel encoding of DTS bitstreams on personal computers, and sending
encoded bitstreams out of a digital audio connection (such as S/PDIF or HDMI) designed to
deliver audio to an external decoder.
ErP Ready
The motherboard is European Union’s Energy-related Products (ErP) ready, and
ErP requires products to meet certain energy efficiency requirement in regards to
energy consumptions. This is in line with ASUS vision of creating environment-
friendly and energy-efficient products through product design and innovation to
reduce carbon footprint of the product and thus mitigate environmental impacts.
1-8
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.
Chapter 2: Hardware
2
information
Chapter summary
2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Building your computer system ............................................... 2-30
Starting up for the first time...................................................... 2-46
Turning off the computer........................................................... 2-47
ASUS P9X79 WS
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.
Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely
grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid
damaging them due to static electricity.
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, or components.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-1
2.2
Motherboard overview
2.2.1
Motherboard layout
Refer to 2.2.9 Internal Connectors for more information about rear panel
connectors and internal connectors.
2-2
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.2
Layout contents
Connectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots
Page
2-32
2-5
1.
2.
3.
4.
ATX Power connectors (8-pin EATX12V, 24-pin EATXPWR)
DDR3 DIMM slots
LGA2011 CPU Socket
2-4
CPU, CPU OPT, Chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_OPT, 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3/4)
2-29
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
EZ Plug (4-pin EZ_Plug)
MemOK! switch
2-33
2-13
2-10
2-22
2-23
EPU Switch
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
10.
11.
Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])
2-24
2-25
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Q-Code LED (LED0, LED1)
2-14
2-22
2-34
2-27
2-12
2-26
2-25
2-30
2-21
2-10
2-28
2-28
2-30
Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)
System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
USB 2.0 connectors (Type A: USB13; 10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)
Reset switch
Power-on switch
TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
TPU switch
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-3
2.2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA2011 socket designed for the 2nd
Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition.
Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
•
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 LGA2011 socket.
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.
2-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.4
System memory
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) slots.
A DDR3 module is notched differently from a DDR or DDR2 module. DO NOT
install a DDR or DDR2 memory module to the DDR3 slot.
®
Recommended memory configurations
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-5
Memory configurations
You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs
into the DIMM sockets depending on the installed CPU.
•
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B, Channel C
and Channel D. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel
for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-
sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.
•
•
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended
to protect the CPU.
The max. 64GB memory capacity can be supported with DIMMs of 8GB
(or above). ASUS will update QVL once the DIMMs are available on the
market.
•
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.
Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you
install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory
for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we
recommend that you do any of the following:
- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit
Windows OS.
- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the
motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.
•
This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB)
chips or less (Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1
Megabyte/MB).
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a
full memory load (8 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
P9X79 WS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists
Refer to www.asus.com for the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).
2-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.5
Expansion slots
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.
Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.
Slot No. Slot Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_2 slot (x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_3 slot (x4 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_4 slot (single at x16 or dual at x8/x8 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_5 slot (x4 mode)
PCIe 2.0 x16_6 slot (x8 mode)
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-7
Standard Interrupt assignments
IRQ
0
Priority
Standard function
1
System Timer
1
2
Keyboard Controller
Programmable Interrupt
Communications Port (COM1)
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
Reserved
2
-
4
12
13
14
15
3
5
6
7
Reserved
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
Reserved
9
4
10
11
12
13
14
5
6
7
8
Numeric Data Processor
Primary IDE Channel
9
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
B
C
D
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
E
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
F
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
G
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
H
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
PCIEx16_1
shared
–
–
PCIEx16_2
shared
–
–
PCIEx16_3
shared
–
–
PCIEx16_4
shared
–
–
PCIEx16_5
shared
–
–
PCIEx16_6
shared
–
–
Marvell9128
VIA1394
shared
–
–
–
shared
–
Asmedia USB3.0-1
Asmedia USB3.0-2
LAN1 (82579V)
LAN2 (82574L)
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
shared
–
shared
SATA Controller 1
SATA Controller 2
USB 2.0 Controller 1
USB 2.0 Controller 2
HD Audio
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
shared
–
shared
2-8
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.6
Onboard switches
Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare
or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually
change settings to enhance system performance.
1.
Power-on switch
The motherboard comes with a power-on switch that allows you to power up or
wake up the system. The switch also lights up when the system is plugged to a
power source indicating that you should shut down the system and unplug the
power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The
illustration below shows the location of the onboard power-on switch.
®
2.
Reset switch
Press the reset switch to reboot the system.
®
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-9
3.
EPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically detect the current PC loadings
and intelligently moderate the power consumption.
For ensuring system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the
system is powered off.
®
4.
TPU switch
Turning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast,
yet stable clock speeds.
For ensuring system performance, turn the switch setting to Enable when the
system is powered off.
®
2-10
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5.
MemOK! switch
Installing DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause
system boot failure, and the DIAGLED near the MemOK! switch lights
continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DIAG_LED starts
blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.
®
•
•
Refer to section 2.2.7 Onboard LEDs for the exact location of the
DIAG_DRAM.
The DIAG_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off
the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.
•
•
The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows™ OS environment.
During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory
settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe
settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe
settings. The blinking speed of the DIAG_DRAM increases, indicating
different test processes.
•
•
Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when
each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the
whole tuning process, the DIAG_DRAM lights continuously. Replace the
DIMMs with ones recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors
Lists) in this user manual or on the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process,
the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop
memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–
10 seconds.
•
•
If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK!
switch to boot and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during
POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.
We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version
from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-11
2.2.7
Onboard LEDs
1.
Standby Power LEDs
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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. The Standby Power LEDs will light
up once the system is connected to a power source
®
2.
Diag. LED
These diagnosis LEDs of CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD indicate
key component status during POST (Power-on Self Test), providing an
elegant embellishment to the motherboard design. The LED lights will flash
sequentially during system bootup. If an error is found, the LED next to the
error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-
friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a
second.
2-12
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3.
EPU LED
The EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.
®
4.
TPU LED
The TPU LED lights when the TPU switch is turned to Enable.
®
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-13
5.
WS 3-color LED
The lighting color of the ASUS logo on the LED signifies Ai Tweaker settings.
Instant O.C. status checking LED Activity
Status
Blue
Description
Normal
Red
Ai Tweaker Enabled/ Overclocking
EPU Enabled/ Power saving mode
Green
P9X79 WS
Lights up according to
Ai Tweaker settings
®
P9X79 WS Ai Tweaker LED
6.
Q-Code LEDs
The Q-Code LED design provides you the 2-digit display, allowing you to
know the system status. Refer to the Q-Code table below for details.
®
2-14
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table
Code
00
Description
Not used
01
Power on. Reset type detection (soft/hard).
AP initialization before microcode loading
02
03
System Agent initialization before microcode loading
04
PCH initialization before microcode loading
Initialization before microcode loading
Microcode loading
05
06
07
AP initialization after microcode loading
System Agent initialization after microcode loading
PCH initialization after microcode loading
Initialization after microcode loading
Cache initialization
08
09
0A
0B
0C – 0D
0E
Reserved for future AMI SEC error codes
Microcode not found
0F
Microcode not loaded
10
PEI Core is started
11 – 14
15 – 18
19 – 1C
1D – 2A
2B – 2F
30
Pre-memory CPU initialization is started
Pre-memory System Agent initialization is started
Pre-memory PCH initialization is started
Pre-memory initialization codes
Memory initialization
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-15
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
31
Description
Memory Installed
32 – 36
37 – 3A
3B – 3E
3F – 4E
4F
CPU post-memory initialization
Post-Memory System Agent initialization is started
Post-Memory PCH initialization is started
Post memory initialization codes
DXE IPL is started
Memory initialization error. Invalid memory type or incompatible memory
speed
50 – 53
54
Unspecified memory initialization error
Memory not installed
55
56
Invalid CPU type or Speed
57
CPU mismatch
58
CPU self test failed or possible CPU cache error
CPU micro-code is not found or micro-code update is failed
Internal CPU error
59
5A
5B
Reset PPI is not available
5C – 5F
E0
Reserved for future AMI error codes
S3 Resume is stared (S3 Resume PPI is called by the DXE IPL)
S3 Boot Script execution
E1
E2
Video repost
E3
OS S3 wake vector call
E4 – E7
E8
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
S3 Resume Failed
E9
S3 Resume PPI not Found
EA
S3 Resume Boot Script Error
EB
S3 OS Wake Error
EC – EF
F0
Reserved for future AMI error codes
Recovery condition triggered by firmware (Auto recovery)
Recovery condition triggered by user (Forced recovery)
F1
F2
F3
F4
Recovery process started
Recovery firmware image is found
Recovery firmware image is loaded
2-16
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
F5-F7
Description
Reserved for future AMI progress codes
Recovery PPI is not available
Recovery capsule is not found
Invalid recovery capsule
F8
F9
FA
FB-FF
60
Reserved for future AMI error codes
DXE Core is started
61
NVRAM initialization
62
Installation of the PCH Runtime Services
CPU DXE initialization is started
PCI host bridge initialization
63 – 67
68
69
System Agent DXE initialization is started
System Agent DXE SMM initialization is started
System Agent DXE initialization (System Agent module specific)
PCH DXE initialization is started
PCH DXE SMM initialization is started
PCH devices initialization
6A
6B – 6F
70
71
72
73 – 77
78
PCH DXE Initialization (PCH module specific)
ACPI module initialization
79
CSM initialization
7A – 7F
80 – 8F
90
Reserved for future AMI DXE codes
DXE initialization codes
Boot Device Selection (BDS) phase is started
Driver connecting is started
91
92
PCI Bus initialization is started
PCI Bus Hot Plug Controller Initialization
PCI Bus Enumeration
93
94
95
PCI Bus Request Resources
96
PCI Bus Assign Resources
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-17
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
97
Description
Console Output devices connect
Console input devices connect
Super IO Initialization
USB initialization is started
USB Reset
98
99
9A
9B
9C
9D
9E-9F
A0
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
AA
AB
USB Detect
USB Enable
Reserved for future AMI codes
IDE initialization is started
IDE Reset
IDE Detect
IDE Enable
SCSI initialization is started
SCSI Reset
SCSI Detect
SCSI Enable
Setup Verifying Password
Start of Setup
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
Setup Input Wait
2-18
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Q-Code table (continued)
Code
AC
Description
Reserved for ASL (see ASL Status Codes section below)
AD
AE
AF
Ready To Boot event
Legacy Boot event
Exit Boot Services event
B0
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP Begin
Runtime Set Virtual Address MAP End
Legacy Option ROM Initialization
System Reset
B1
B2
B3
B4
USB hot plug
B5
PCI bus hot plug
B6
Clean-up of NVRAM
B7
Configuration Reset (reset of NVRAM settings)
Reserved for future AMI codes
BDS initialization codes
B8– BF
C0– CF
D0
CPU initialization error
D1
System Agent initialization error
PCH initialization error
D2
D3
Some of the Architectural Protocols are not available
PCI resource allocation error. Out of Resources
No Space for Legacy Option ROM
No Console Output Devices are found
No Console Input Devices are found
Invalid password
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
Error loading Boot Option (LoadImage returned error)
Boot Option is failed (StartImage returned error)
Flash update is failed
DA
DB
DC
Reset protocol is not available
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-19
ACPI/ASL Checkpoints
Code
0x01
Description
System is entering S1 sleep state
0x02
0x03
0x04
0x05
0x10
0x20
0x30
0x40
0xAC
0xAA
System is entering S2 sleep state
System is entering S3 sleep state
System is entering S4 sleep state
System is entering S5 sleep state
System is waking up from the S1 sleep state
System is waking up from the S2 sleep state
System is waking up from the S3 sleep state
System is waking up from the S4 sleep state
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in PIC mode.
System has transitioned into ACPI mode. Interrupt controller is in APIC mode.
2-20
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.8
Jumper
1.
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
You can reset the 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 turn ON the computer.
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.
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to
overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.
•
Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R.
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the
power cord before rebooting the system.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-21
2.
Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)
These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection. The CHAFAN_SEL
jumper is for the front fans and rear fans control. Set to pins 1–2 when using
3-pin fans or pins 2–3 when using 4-pin fans.
®
•
•
If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 1-2, 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
2.2.9
Internal connectors
1.
Intel® X79 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial
ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.
®
•
These connectors are set to [IDE Mode] by default. If you intend to create
a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in
the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for
details.
•
•
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or the
manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using
Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if
you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
•
You must load IRST Driver during OS installation for the system to detect
the Optical Disk Drive (the ODD should be connected to the SATA_3G
port), or else the ODD will not run.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-23
2.
Intel® X79 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives and optical
disc drives via Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s signal cables.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, 1, 5,
and 10 configuration with the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology through the
onboard Intel® X79 chipset.
®
•
These connectors are set to [IDE Mode] by default. If you intend to create
a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode item in
the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for
details.
•
•
•
Before creating a RAID set, refer to section 4.4 RAID configurations or
the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.
When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode in the BIOS to [AHCI
Mode]. Refer to section 3.5.4 SATA Configuration for details.
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using
Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if
you are using Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
2-24
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3.
Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors
(7-pin SATA6G_E1/E2 [navy blue])
These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard disk drives via Serial
ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables.
®
•
•
•
•
•
For high performance of ASUS SSD Caching, please connect one HDD and
one SSD to Marvell® SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors.
For regular usage, the SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for data
drivers.
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using
Serial ATA hard disk drives.
Press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST to enter the Marvell RAID utility to create
or delete a RAID configuration.
If you want to install a Windows operating system to a RAID configuration
created using the Marvell SATAcontroller, you have to create a RAID driver disk
using the motherboard support DVD and load the driver during OS installation.
For 32/64bit Windows XP OS, load first the Marvell shared library driver,
and then load Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver. For Windows Vista /
Windows 7 OS, load only the Marvell 91xx SATA Controller Driver.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-25
4.
USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_34)
This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies with the USB
3.0 specificaton that supports up to 5.0 Gbps connection speed. If the USB
3.0 front panel cable is available from your system chassis, with this USB 3.0
connector, you can have a front panel USB 3.0 solution.
®
You can connect the ASUS front panel USB 3.0 box to this connector to obtain
the front panel USB 3.0 solution.
2-26
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5.
USB 2.0 connectors
(Type A: USB13; 10-1 pin USB910; USB1112)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
®
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB,
blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector
onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-27
6.
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)
This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
®
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!
The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.
7.
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install
the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
®
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2-28
8.
CPU, CPU OPT, Chassis fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CPU_OPT; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3/4)
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring
that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
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!
•
•
The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan
power.
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2,
CHA_FAN3 for better thermal environment.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-29
9.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end
of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
®
•
•
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio
capability.
If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this
connector, set the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS setup to [HD]; if you
want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set
the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD].
10. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
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.
®
The COM module is purchased separately.
2-30
Chapter 2: Hardware information
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can
securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system
also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity. This connector can also serve for G.P. Diagnosis card
installation.
®
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-31
13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs
are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version)
and provides a minimum power of 350 W.
•
•
Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the system
will not boot.
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring
a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
•
•
If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.
If you want to use two or more high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU
with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.
2-32
Chapter 2: Hardware information
14. EZ Plug connector (4-pin EZ_PLUG)
This 4-pin connector is for HDD power supply plug. When using 3 or more
graphic cards, more power may be needed, Use this connector to enhance
power by 12V.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-33
15. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
®
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
•
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.
2-34
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3
Building your computer system
2.3.1
Additional tools and components to build a PC
system
1 bag of screws
Philips (cross) screwdriver
PC chassis
Power supply unit
Intel LGA 2011 CPU
Intel LGA 2011 compatible CPU Fan
DIMM
SATA hard disk drive
SATA optical disc drive (optional)
Graphics card
The tools and components in the table above are not included in the
motherboard package.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-35
2.3.2
CPU installation
Please note the order in opening/ closing the double latch. Follow the instructions
printed on the metal sealing hatch or the illustrations shown below in this manual.
The plastic cap will pop up automatically once the CPU is in place and the hatch
properly sealed down.
1
2
A
B
Load lever
3
4
C
A
B
A
B
2-36
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5
6
Triangle
mark
7
8
B
A
9
B
A
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-37
2.3.3
CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation
Apply the Thermal Interface
Material to the CPU heatsink
and CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan if necessary.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly
1
2
B
A
A
B
2-38
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.4
1
DIMM installation
2
3
To remove a DIMM
B
A
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-39
2.3.5
1
Motherboard installation
The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may
vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same.
2
2-40
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-41
2.3.6
1
ATX Power connection
2
OR
2-42
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.7
1
SATA device connection
OR
2
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-43
2.3.8
Front I/O Connector
To install ASUS Q-Connector
1
2
To install USB Connector
To install front panel audio
connector
AAFP
USB
The actual location may vary with motherboards.
2-44
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.9
Rear panel connection
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 mouse port
2. LAN (RJ-45) port 1*
3. IEEE 1394a port
7. USB BIOS Flashback button
8. Optical S/PDIF Out port
9. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6
10. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8
11. USB 3.0 ports 1 and 2
12. Audio I/O ports**
4. LAN (RJ-45) port 2**
5. PS/2 keyboard port
6. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3, and 4
*and **: Refer to the tables on the next page for LAN port and audio port definitions.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-45
•
Due to USB 3.0 controller limitation, USB 3.0 devices can only be used
under Windows® OS environment and after the USB 3.0 driver installation.
•
•
USB 3.0 devices can only be used as data storage only.
We strongly recommend that you connect USB 3.0 devices to USB 3.0
ports for faster and better performance for your USB 3.0 devices.
* LAN port LED indications
Activity Link LED
Speed LED
ACT/LINK SPEED
LED LED
Status
Description
Status
OFF
Description
OFF
No link
10 Mbps connection
100 Mbps connection
1 Gbps connection
ORANGE
BLINKING
Linked
ORANGE
GREEN
Data activity
LAN port
**Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port
H e a d s e t 4-channel
2-channel
6-channel
8-channel
Light Blue Line In
Line In
Line In
Line In
Lime
Line Out
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Pink
Mic In
Mic In
Mic In
Orange
Black
Gray
–
–
–
–
Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out
–
Center/Subwoofer
Rear Speaker Out
Side Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
–
2.3.10
Audio I/O connections
Audio I/O ports
Connect to Headphone and Mic
2-46
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Connect to Stereo Speakers
Connect to 2.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-47
Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers
Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers
2-48
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.11
USB BIOS Flashback
1.
2.
3.
Download the BIOS Flashback program file from the ASUS service website
(www.asus.com). Save the program file to a USB portable disk.
On the rear I/O port, plug the USB disk to USB port 1 with the WHITE interior.
(See red box in the image below)
Press the BIOS Flashback button for 3 seconds, and the light will begin to
flash (on the third second).
4.
5.
The Flashback function is enabled once the light starts to flash.
The flashing rate of the light signal accelerates along with the updating
speed.
Updating BIOS may have risks. If the BIOS program is damaged during the
process causing the system unable to reboot, please contact the local service
station for help.
ASUS P9X79 WS
2-49
2.4
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 ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with the
“green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may
light up or change from orange to green after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are
running, the BIOS beeps (refer to the BIOS beep codes table below) or
additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within
30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have
failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call
your retailer for assistance.
BIOS Beep
Description
One short beep
VGA detected
Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected
One continuous beep followed by two short No memory detected
beeps then a pause (repeated)
One continuous beep followed by three No VGA detected
short beeps
One continuous beep followed by four Hardware component failure
short beeps
7.
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.
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Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5
Turning off the computer
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds
puts the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 3.7 Boot Menu for
details.
ASUS P9X79 WS
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2-52
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Chapter 3
Chapter 3:
BIOS setup
3.1
Knowing BIOS
The new ASUS UEFI BIOS is an Extensible Firmware Interface that complies with UEFI
architecture, offering a user-friendly interface that goes beyond traditional keyboard-only
BIOS controls to enable more flexible and convenient mouse input. Users can easily
navigate the new UEFI BIOS with the same smoothness as their operating system. The
term “BIOS” in this user manual refers to “UEFI BIOS” unless otherwise specified.
BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage
device configuration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device
configuration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal
circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum
performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in
the following circumstances:
•
•
An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to
run the BIOS Setup.
You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or
update.
Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly
recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service
personnel.
3.2
BIOS setup program
A BIOS setup program is provided for BIOS item modification. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <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, press <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or press the reset
button on the system chassis to restart the system. You can also turn the system off and then
turn it back on to restart the system. Do this last option only if the first two failed.
•
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and
may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the
mouse to control the BIOS setup program.
If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default
settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized
Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for details.
•
If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and
reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.2.8 Jumpers for information
on how to erase the RTC RAM.
•
The BIOS setup program does not support the bluetooth devices.
The BIOS setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various submenus and select from the
available options using a keyboard or a USB mouse.
The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode.
You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the
EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-1
3.2.1
EZ Mode
By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ
Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select
the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the
Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.
The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the
Setup Mode item in section 3.7 Boot memu for details.
Selects the display language of
the BIOS setup program
Clicks to display all fan
speeds if available
Displays the CPU/motherboard temperature,
CPU/5V/3.3V/12V voltage output,
CPU/CPU_OPT/Chassis fan speed
Exits the BIOS setup program without saving
the changes, saves the changes and resets
the system, or enters the Advanced Mode
P9X79 WS
Quick switch to frequently
used menus.
Loads optimized default
Power Saving mode
Normal mode
ASUS Optimal mode
Selects the boot device priority
Selects the boot device priority
Displays the system properties of the
selected mode on the right hand side
•
•
The boot device options vary depending on the devices you installed to the system.
The Boot Menu(F8) button is available only when the boot device is installed to the
system.
3-2
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.2.2
Advanced Mode
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure
the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the
following sections for the detailed configurations.
To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode.
Menu items Menu bar
General help
Configuration fields
Submenu item
Pop-up window
Scroll bar
Navigation keys
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main
For changing the basic system configuration
For changing the overclocking settings
For changing the advanced system settings
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
For displaying the system temperature, power status, and changing the fan settings.
For changing the system boot configuration
Tool
For configuring options for special functions
Exit
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-3
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example,
selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.
Back button
This button appears when entering a submenu. Press <Esc> or use the USB mouse to click
this button to return to the previous menu screen.
Submenu items
A greater than sign (>) before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a
submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press <Enter>.
Pop-up window
Select a menu item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration
options for that item.
Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not fit on
the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the
other items on the screen.
Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of the menu screen are the navigation keys for the BIOS setup
program. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings.
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.
Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can
change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not
user-configurable.
A configurable field is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it and
press <Enter> to display a list of options.
3-4
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.3
Main menu
The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup
program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and
allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
BIOS Information
BIOS Version
Build Date
Choose the system default language
0238 x64
09/16/2011
EC Version
MBEC-X79-0218
7.1.20.1089
ME Version
CPU Information
Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.00GHz
Speed
2066 MHz
Memory Information
Total Memory
Speed
4096 MB (DDR3)
1373 MHz
System Language
English
System Date
System Time
Access Level
[Friday 09/23/2011]
[16:46:15]
Administrator
>
Security
Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Exit
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Main\ Security
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
>
Password Description
To clear the administrator password,
key in the current password in the
Enter Current Password box,
and then press <Enter> when
prompted to create/confirm the
password.
If ONLY the Administrator's password is set,
then this only limits access to Setup and is
only asked for when entering Setup
If ONLY the User's password is set, then this
is a power on password and must be entered to
boot or enter Setup. In Setup the User will
have Administrator rights
The password must be 0 to 20 characters long.
Administrator Password
User Password
Not Installed
Not Installed
Administrator Password
User Password
•
•
If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC)
RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 2.2.8 Jumpers for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.
The Administrator or User Password items on top of the screen show the default
Not Installed. After you set a password, these items show Installed.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-5
Administrator Password
If you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator
password for accessing the system. Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only
selected fields in the BIOS setup program.
To set an administrator password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To change an administrator password:
1.
2.
Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3.
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To clear the administrator password, follow the same steps as in changing an administrator
password, but press <Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear
the password, the Administrator Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
User Password
If you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system.
The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set
a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a user password:
1.
2.
3.
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To change a user password:
1.
2.
Select the User Password item and press <Enter>.
From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press
<Enter>.
3.
From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>.
4.
Confirm the password when prompted.
To clear the user password, follow the same steps as in changing a user password, but press
<Enter> when prompted to create/confirm the password. After you clear the password, the
User Password item on top of the screen shows Not Installed.
3-6
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.4
Ai Tweaker menu
The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field
values can cause the system to malfunction.
The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you
installed on the motherboard.
Scroll down to display the following items:
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-7
Scroll down to display the following items:
Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]
Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal
frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking configuration options:
[Auto]
Loads the optimal settings for the system.
[Manual]
[X.M.P.]
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
If you install memory modules supporting the eXtreme Memory Profile
(X.M.P.) Technology, choose this item to set the profiles supported by your
memory modules for optimizing the system performance.
The following three items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking Tuner item to
[Manual].
BCLK Frequency [XXX]
Allows you to adjust the CPU and VGA frequency to enhance the system performance.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. You can also key in the desired value
using the numeric keypad. The values range from 80.0MHz to 300.0MHz.
CPU Strap [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [100MHz] [125MHz] [166MHz] [250MHz]
ClockGen Full Reset [Enabled]
[Enabled] Enabled for better overclocking.
[Disabled] To skip system shutdown at BCLK frequency adjustment.
3-8
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Turbo Ratio [Auto]
Allows you to manually adjust the Turbo CPU ratio.
[Auto]
All Turbo ratio are set by Intel CPU default settings
[By ALL Cores (Can Adjust in OS)]All numbers of active cores will be set to one single Turbo
ratio in OS
[By Per Core (Cannot Adjust in OS)] All numbers of active cores can be set to an individual
Turbo ratio in BIOS.
CPU CLOCKGEN FILTER [Auto]
May help maximize CPU Overclocking when Enabled.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]
Memory Frequency [Auto]
Forces a DDR3 frequency slower than the common tCK detected via SPD.
Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR3-800MHz] [DDR3-1066MHz] [DDR3_1333MHz] [DDR3-
1600MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3_2133MHz] [DDR3_2400MHz] [DDR3_2666MHz]
Selecting a very high memory frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
EPU Power Saving MODE [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the EPU power saving function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
EPU Setting [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the EPU Power Saving Mode item to [Enabled.] and
allows you to select the EPU power saving mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Light Power Saving Mode] [Medium Power Saving Mode] [Max
Power Saving Mode]
OC Tuner
OC Tuner automatically overclocks the frequency and voltage of CPU and DRAM for
enhancing the system performance. Configuration options: [OK] [Cancel]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-9
3.4.1
DRAM Timing Control
The sub-items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features. Use the <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard
and press the <Enter> key.
Changing the values in this menu may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default settings.
Scroll down to display the following items:
3-10
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Scroll down to display the following items:
Scroll down to display the following items:
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-11
Scroll down to display the following items:
Primary Timings
DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 3 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 40 with 1 interval.
DRAM COMMAND Mode [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 3 with 1 interval.
Secondary Timings
DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 7 with 1 interval.
DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 48 to 511 with 1
interval.
DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 5 to 31 with 1 interval.
3-12
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM FOUR ACT WIN Time [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 16 to 63 with 1 interval.
DRAM WRITE to READ Delay [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 4 to 15 with 1 interval.
DRAM Write Latency [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 1 to 15 with 1 interval.
Third Timings
tRRDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRRDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWWDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWWDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRWDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
tRWDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
tWRDR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tWRDD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
tRWSR [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 15 with 1 interval.
tCCD [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 7 with 1 interval.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-13
Latency Timings
DRAM RTL (CHA D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHA D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
3-14
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM RTL (CHA D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHA D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-15
DRAM IOL (CHB D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHB D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHB D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
3-16
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM RTL (CHC D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHC D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHC D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D0 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-17
DRAM IOL (CHD D0 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D1 R0) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM RTL (CHD D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock]
[Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 2 Clock] [Normal] [Delay
2 Clock] [Delay 4 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 10 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock]
[Delay 14 Clock]
DRAM IOL (CHD D1 R1) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Advance 14 Clock] [Advance 13 Clock] [Advance 12 Clock]
[Advance 11 Clock] [Advance 10 Clock] [Advance 9 Clock] [Advance 8 Clock] [Advance 7
Clock] [Advance 6 Clock] [Advance 5 Clock] [Advance 4 Clock] [Advance 3 Clock] [Advance
2 Clock] [Advance 1 Clock] [Normal] [Delay 1 Clock] [Delay 2 Clock] [Delay 3 Clock] [Delay 4
Clock] [Delay 5 Clock] [Delay 6 Clock] [Delay 7 Clock] [Delay 8 Clock] [Delay 9 Clock] [Delay
10 Clock] [Delay 11 Clock] [Delay 12 Clock] [Delay 13 Clock] [Delay 14 Clock]
Others
DRAM CLK Period [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Enhanced Training (CHA) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enhanced Training (CHB) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-18
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Enhanced Training (CHC) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enhanced Training (CHD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
MCH Duty Sense (CHA) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHB) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHC) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Duty Sense (CHD) [Auto]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0 to 31 with 1 interval.
MCH Recheck [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-19
3.4.1
DIGI+ Power Control
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
CPU Load-line Calibration
CPU Current Capability
Ultra High
[X.M.P.] When XMP is enabled BLCK
frequency, CPU ratio and memory
parameters will be auto optimized.
100%
Auto
VCCSA Load-line Calibration
VCCSA Current Capability
CPU Voltage Frequency
100%
Auto
CPU Spread Spectrum
Disabled
T.Probe
Standard
100%
CPU Power Duty Control
CPU Power Phase Control
DRAM-AB Current Capability
DRAM-AB Voltage Frequency
DRAM-AB Power Phase Control
DRAM-CD Current Capability
DRAM-CD Voltage Frequency
DRAM-CD Power Phase Control
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Auto
Enter: Select
Optimized
100%
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
Auto
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Optimized
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Load-Line Calibration [Auto]
CPU Load-line is defined by Intel spec and affects CPU voltage. The CPU working voltage
will decrease proportionally to CPU loading. Higher value could get higher voltage and good
overclocking performance, but increase the CPU thermal. This item allows you to adjust the
voltage range from the following percentages to boost the system performance:
0% (Regular), 25% (Medium), 50% (High), 75% (Ultra High), 100% (Extreme).
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [Medium] [High] [Ultra High] [Extreme]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specifiation.
CPU Current Capability [Auto]
This item provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher value brings a wider
total power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [Auto] [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%] [140%]
Do not remove the thermal module while changing the DIGI+ Power Control related
parameters . The thermal conditions should be monitored.
Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric
keypad and pressing the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the
value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.
3-20
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU VCORE Boot Up Voltage [Auto]
This adjusts the voltage for CPU at initial boot up. Set to higher values for better overclocking
results.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800 to 1.700 with
0.005 interval.
VCCSA Load-line Calibration [Auto]
The behavior of the DRAM controller is decided by VCCSA Load-Line. Set to a higher value
for system performance, or to a lower value for better thermal solution.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Regular] [High] [Extreme]
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU and DRAM specification.
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
VCCSA Current Capability [100%]
Allows you to set the VCCSA current capability. A higher value brings wider total DRAM
controller power range and extends the overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
CPU VCCSA Boot Up Voltage [Auto]
This adjusts the voltage for VCCSA at initial boot up. Set to higher values for better
overclocking results.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 0.800 to 1.700 with
0.005 interval.
CPU Voltage Frequency [Auto]
Switching frequency will affect the transient response and component thermal. Setting a
higher frequency gets faster transient response.
[Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Spread Spectrum item.
[Manual]
Allows you to manually set the CPU Fixed Frequency from 300k~500kHz
with a 10k Hz interval.
CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
This item appears when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Auto]. Enable the
Spread Spectrum to enhance system stability.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
CPU Fixed Frequency [300]
This item appears when you set the CPU Voltage Frequency item to [Manual].
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 300k~500kHz
with a 10k Hz interval.
Do not remove the thermal module when switching to Manual mode. The thermal
conditions should be monitored.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-21
CPU Power Duty Control [T.Probe]
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts current and thermal of every phase component.
[T.Probe]
[Extreme]
Maintains thermal balance.
Maintains current balance.
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
CPU Power Phase Control [Auto]
Controls current capability and voltage frequency through different modes. Increase phase
number under heavy system loading to get more transient and better thermal performance.
Reduce phase number under light system loading to increase efficiency
[Auto]
Proceeds preset phase control.
[Standard]
Proceeds phase control based on CPU Command.
Loads the ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Proceeds the full phase mode.
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
[Manual Adjustment]
Allows manual adjustment. Phase number adjusted by current(A)
step.
Manual Adjustment [Regular]
This item appears when you set the CPU Power Phase Control item to [Manual
Adjustment]. Select Ultra Fast for a faster response. The reaction time will be longer
when Regular is selected.
Configuration options: [Ultra Fast] [Fast] [Medium] [Regular]
Do not remove the thermal module when switching to Extreme and Manual mode. The
thermal conditions should be monitored.
DRAM-AB Current Capability [100%]
Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM-AB Voltage Frequency [Auto]
This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM
frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
DRAM-AB Power Phase control [Auto]
[Auto]
Proceeds preset phase tuning profile.
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set the Full phase mode.
3-22
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
DRAM-CD Current Capability [100%]
Setting a higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
Configuration options: [100%] [110%] [120%] [130%]
DRAM-CD Voltage Frequency [Auto]
This item allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency. Assign a fixed high DRAM
frequency to increase O.C range or a lower DRAM frequency for better system stability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [manual]
DRAM-CD Power Phase control [Auto]
[Auto]
Proceeds preset phase tuning profile.
[Optimized]
[Extreme]
Allows you to set ASUS optimized phase tuning profile.
Allows you to set the Full phase mode.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-23
3.4.2
CPU Performance Settings
The items in this menu is setting for CPU Ratio/Features.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
CPU Ratio
Auto
Enabled
Enabled
Allows users to manually adjust the
maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The
value will be limited to CPU based or
factory setting.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
Turbo Mode
Turbo Mode Parameters
Long Duration Power Limit
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Auto
Long Duration Maintained
Short Duration Power Limit
Additional Turbo Voltage
CPU Core Current Limit
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F5: Optimized Defaults
F10: Save ESC: Exit
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Ratio [Auto]
This item allows user manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The value will be
limited to CPU-based or factory settings. Adjusting the CPU Ratio value will change CPU
Performance Settings.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. The values range from 12 to 57 with 1 interval.
[Values 12~32] Presets Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and Turbo Mode to
[Disabled] but can be adjusted. Turbo Mode Parameters settings is limited
to CPU Core Current Limit.
[Values 33~57] Resumes full adjustment for Turbo Mode Parameters but disallows
configuration for Turbo Mode.
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology® [Enabled]
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology® allows the system operation system to dynamically
adjust processor voltage and cores frequency, which can result in decreased average power
consumption and decreased average heat production.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-24
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
It automatically allows processors cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if it’s
operating below power, current, and temperature specification limit.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Turbo Mode Parameters
Long Duration Power Limit [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 1 in Watts. Default setting of this item is TDP (130W). For
Sandy Bridge-E, Turbo Ratio can be kept a time duration exceeding TDP for maximum
performance. Any value under 255 can be programmed. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value.
Long Duration Maintained [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 1 Time in second. The value can vary from 1 to 32, which
indicates that the time window for Turbo Ratio over TDP should be maintained. Use the
<+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Short Duration Power Limit [Auto]
This item is Power Limit 2 value in Watts. It is the second power limit to provide rapid
protection when package power exceeds Power Limit 1. Default setting is 1.25 times
Power Limit 1. Intel recommends that the platform must be capable of supporting over
Power Limit 2 for up to 10 msec. ASUS board can support over Power Limit 2 for a
long duration. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
Additional Turbo Voltage [Auto]
Maximum additional voltage can be applied to the CPU when Turbo Boost is engaged.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
CPU Core Current Limit [Auto]
This item allows user to enter CPU Core Current Limit, unit in 0.125A. Use the <+> and
<-> keys to adjust the value.
CPU VCORE Voltage [Offset Mode]
This adjusts the power supply for the processor cores and cache to help core frequency
overclocking.
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed CPU VCORE voltage.
[Offset Mode]
Allows you to set the Offset voltage.
CPU VCORE Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Manual Mode]
and allows you to set a fixed CPU VCORE voltage. The values range from 0.800V to
1.700V with a 0.005V interval.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-25
Offset Mode Sign [+]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU VCORE Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCORE Voltage item to [Offset Mode]
and allows you to set the VCORE offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to
0.635V with a 0.005V interval.
CPU VCCSA Voltage [Offset Mode]
This adjusts the power supply for the processor’s I/O, DMI, and PCI Express Controller to
help DRAM and BCLK overclocking.
[Manual Mode] Allows you to set a fixed VCCSA CPU voltage.
[Offset Mode]
Allows you to set the VCCSA Offset voltage.
CPU VCCSA Manual Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Manual Mode]
and allows you to set a fixed CPU VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.800V to
1.700V with a 0.005V interval.
Offset Mode Sign [+]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Offset Mode].
[+]
[–]
To offset the voltage by a positive value.
To offset the voltage by a negative value.
CPU VCCSA Offset Voltage [Auto]
This item appears only when you set the CPU VCCSA Voltage item to [Offset Mode]
and allows you to set the VCCSA offset voltage. The values range from 0.005V to
0.635V with a 0.005V interval.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage
may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.
DRAM Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V
interval.
DRAM Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.99V with a 0.005V
interval.
According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage
the CPU permanently. We recommend you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement
below 1.65V.
3-26
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU PLL Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the CPU and PCH PLL voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.10V with
a 0.00625V interval.
VTTCPU Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the VTTCPU voltage. The values range from 1.05V to 1.70V with a
0.00625V interval.
PCH 1.1v Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the 1.1v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.10V to
1.70V with a 0.00625V interval.
PCH 1.5v Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the 1.5v Platform Controller Hub voltage. The values range from 1.50V to
1.80V with a 0.00625V interval.
•
•
The values of the CPU Manual Voltage, CPU Offset Voltage, DRAM Voltage,
VCCSA Voltage, VCCIO Voltage, CPU PLL Voltage, and PCH Voltage items are
labeled in different color, indicating the risk levels of high voltage settings. Refer to the
table below for details.
The system may need better cooling system to work stably under high voltage settings.
VTTDDR Voltage (CHA, CHB) [Auto]
Allows you to set the active termination voltage for DRAM on Channel A and B. The values
range from 0.6250V to 1.10V with a 0.00625V interval.
VTTDDR Voltage (CHC, CHD) [Auto]
Allows you to set the active termination voltage for DRAM on Channel C and D. The values
range from 0.6250V to 1.10V with a 0.00625V interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel A. The values range from
0.3950V to 0.6300V with a 0.005V interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel A. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel B. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel B. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-27
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel C. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel C. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM CTRL REF Voltage on Channel D. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM DATA REF Voltage on Channel D. The values range from
0.3950x to 0.6300x with a 0.005x interval.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHA [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel A. The
values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHB [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel B. The
values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHC [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel C. The
values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
DRAM Read REF Voltage on CHD [Auto]
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage for CPU IMC to reference Reads on Channel D. The
values range from 0.3850x to 0.6150x with a 0.005x interval. Different ratio might enhance
DRAM overclocking ability.
CPU Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Setting to [Disabled] enhances the BCLK overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Setting to [Disabled] enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-28
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5
Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system
devices.
Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
CPU Configuration Parameters
>
>
>
>
CPU Configuration
System Agent Configuration
PCH Configuration
SATA Configuration
SAS Configuration
USB Configuration
Onboard Devices Configuration
APM
>
>
>
>
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-29
3.5.1
CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically
detects.
The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Exit
Tool
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Advanced\ CPU Configuration
>
CPU Configuration
Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 2.00GHz
CPU Signature
Includes TM1, TM2 and EMTTM
206d2
8000020c
2000 MHz
1200 MHz
6
Microcode Patch
Max CPU Speed
Min CPU Speed
Processor Cores
Intel HT Technology
Intel VT-x Technology
Supported
Supported
L1 Data Cache
L1 Code Cache
L2 Cache
32 kB x 6
32 kB x 6
256 kB x 6
15360 kB
L3 Cache
64-bit
Supported
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor
Hyper-threading
Enabled
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enabled
All
Enter: Select
Active Processor Cores
Limit CPUID Maximum
Execute Disable Bit
Intel Virtualization Technology
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
>
CPU Power Management Configuration
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
Intel Adaptive Thermal Monitor [Enabled]
This function includes TM1, TM2, and EMTTM.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU thermal monitor function.
Enables the overheated CPU to throttle its clock speed to cool down.
Hyper-threading [Enabled]
The Intel Hyper-Threading Technology allows a hyper-threading processor to appear as two
logical processors to the operating system, allowing the operating system to schedule two
threads or processes simultaneously.
[Disabled]
Only one thread per activated core is enabled. Disabled for other OS (OS
not optimized for Hyper-Threading Technology).
[Enabled]
Two threads per activated core are enabled. Enabled for Windows XP and
Linux (OS optimized for Hyper-Threading Technology).
3-30
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Active Processor Cores [All]
Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package.
Configuration options: [All] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Limit CPUID Maximum [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Allows legacy operating systems to boot even without support for CPUs
with extended CPUID functions.
[Disabled]
Disables this function (for Windows XP).
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.
Forces the XD feature flag to always return to zero (0).
Intel Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
[Enabled]
Allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating systems separately
and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function as several
systems.
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
3.5.2
CPU Power Management Configuration
CPU Power Management Configuration
Allows user to manually adjust the
maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The
value will be limited to CPU-based or
factory setting.
CPU Ratio
Auto
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology
Enabled
Enabled
Auto
Turbo Mode
CPU C1E
CPU C3 Report
CPU C6 Report
CPU C7 Report
Auto
Auto
Auto
CPU Ratio [Auto]
Allows user to manually adjust the maximum non-turbo CPU ratio. The value will be limited to
CPU-based or factory setting.
Use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the ratio. The values range from 12 to 22 with a 1 interval.
(The valid value ranges may vary according to your CPU model.)
[Values 12~20] Presets Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and Turbo Mode to
[Disabled] but can be adjusted.
[Values 21~22] Disallows configuration for Turbo Mode.
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3-31
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled]
Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep Technology (EIST) allows the system operation to dynamically
adjust processor voltage and cores frequency, which can result in decreased average power
consumption and decreased average heat production.
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
The CPU runs at its default speed.
The operating system controls the CPU speed.
Turbo Mode [Enabled]
This automatically allows processor cores to run faster than the base operating frequency if
it’s operating below power, current, and temperature specification limit.
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
[Enabled]
Allows processor cores to run faster than marked frequency in specific
condition.
CPU C1E [Auto]
[Disabled]
Disables this function.
[Enabled]
Enables the C1E support function. This item should be enabled in order to
enable the Enhanced Halt State.
CPU C3 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS.
CPU C6 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS.
CPU C7 Report [Auto]
Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C7 report to OS.
3.5.3
System Agent Configuration
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ System Agent Configuration
>
PCIEX16 _1/2 Link speed
PCIEX16 _4/6 Link speed
PCIEX16 _3/5 Link speed
GEN3
GEN3
GEN3
Select target link speed Gen1, Gen2
and Gen3
PCIEX16_1/2 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed.
Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
PCIEX16_4/6 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed.
Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
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Chapter 3: BIOS setup
PCIEX16_3/5 Link speed [GEN3]
Allows you to select the target link speed.
Configuration options: [GEN1] [GEN2] [GEN3]
3.5.4
PCH Configuration
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ PCH Configuration
>
PCH Information
Enabled/Disabled the High Precision
Event Timer.
High Precision Timer
Enabled
High Precision Timer [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3.5.5
SATA Configuration
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA
Port items show Not Present if no SATA device is installed to the corresponding SATA port.
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Exit
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ SATA Configuration
>
(1) IDE Mode. (2) AHCI Mode. (3)
RAID Mode.
SATA Configuration
SATA Mode
AHCI Mode
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check
Enabled
SATA 6G_1 (Gray)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
SATA 6G_2 (Gray)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
SATA 3G_3 (Blue)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
SATA 3G_4 (Blue)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enter: Select
SATA 3G_5 (Blue)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
SATA 3G_6 (Blue)
Hot Plug
Not Present
Disabled
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-33
SATA Mode [AHCI Mode]
Allows you to set the SATA configuration.
[Disabled]
Disables the SATA function.
[IDE Mode]
Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as
Parallel ATA physical storage devices. Hotplug support configurations for
SATA are disallowed under this mode.
[AHCI Mode]
Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the
AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard
storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases
storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to
internally optimize the order of commands.
[RAID Mode]
Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID configuration from the
SATA hard disk drives.
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning
messages during the POST.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
SATA6G_1 (Gray)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It
allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_2 (Gray)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It
allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_3 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It
allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_4 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It
allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
3-34
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
SATA6G_5 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode] and [RAID mode]. It
allows users to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
SATA6G_6 (Blue)
Hot Plug [Disabled]
This item appear only when you set the previous item to [AHCI Mode]. It’s allow user to
enabled/disabled SATA Hot Plug Support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled].
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Advanced\ SATA Configuration
>
SATA Configuration
SATA Mode
(1) IDE Mode. (2) AHCI Mode. (3)
RAID Mode.
IDE Mode
Exit
Serial-ATA Controller 0
Serial-ATA Controller 1
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check
Enhanced
Enhanced
Enabled
Tool
SATA 6G_1 (Gray)
SATA 6G_2 (Gray)
SATA 6G_3 (Blue)
SATA 6G_4 (Blue)
SATA 6G_5 (Blue)
SATA 6G_6 (Blue)
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
Not Present
The following two items appear only when you set the SATA Mode item to [IDE Mode].
Serial-ATA Controller 0 [Enhanced]
Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 0.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enhance] [Compatible]
Serial-ATA Controller 1 [Enhanced]
Allows you to enabled/disabled the Serial-ATA Controller 1.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enhance]
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled]
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When
read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning
messages during the POST.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-35
3.5.6
USB Configuration
The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ USB Configuration
>
USB Configuration
Enables Legacy USB support. AUTO
option disables legacy support if no
USB devices are connected. DISABLE
option will keep USB devices
USB Devices:
1 Keyboard, 1 Mouse, 4 Hubs
available only for UEFI applications.
Legacy USB Support
Legacy USB3.0 Support
EHCI Hand-off
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
The USB Devices item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the
item shows None.
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
[Auto]
The USB devices can be used only for the BIOS setup program.
Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).
Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is
detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
Legacy USB3.0 Support [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the function.
Enables the support for USB 3.0 devices on legacy operating systems
(OS).
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the function.
Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.
3-36
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.7
Onboard Devices Configuraton
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration
>
Enabled/Disabled Azalia HD Audio
Azalia HD Audio
Front Panel Type
SPDIF Out Type
Enabled
HD
SPDIF
Intel LAN1 Controller
Enabled
Intel LAN1 PXE OPROM
Intel LAN2 Controller
Enabled
Disabled
Intel LAN2 PXE OPROM
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
VIA 1394 Controller
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller
Marvell Storage OPROM
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
>
Serial Port Configuration
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
Azalia HD Audio [Enabled]
[Disabled]
Disables the controller.
[Enabled]
Enables the High Definition Audio Controller.
The following two items appear only when you set the HD Audio Controller item to
[Enabled].
Front Panel Type [HD]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC97 or high-
definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports.
[HD]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high definition audio.
[AC97]
Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC97
SPDIF Out Type [SPDIF]
[SPDIF]
[HDMI]
Sets to [SPDIF] for SPDIF audio output.
Sets to [HDMI] for HDMI audio output.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-37
Intel LAN1 Controller [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the controller.
Enables the Intel LAN controller.
Intel LAN1 PXE OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the LAN1 PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Intel LAN2 Controller [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the controller.
Enables the Intel LAN controller.
Intel LAN2 PXE OPROM [Disabled]
This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable
or disable the LAN2 PXE OptionRom of the Intel LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable VIA 1394 Controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Asmedia USB 3.0 Controller [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Asmedia USB 3.0.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Marvell Storage OPROM [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Marvell Storage OPROM.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Serial Port Configuration
Serial Port [Enabled]
This item allows user to enable/disable Serial Port (COM).
[Disabled] Disables configuration.
[Enabled]
Change Settings appear under [Enabled]. Select an optimal
setting for Super IO device.
Change Settings [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4]
Configuration options: [IO=3F8h; IRQ=4] [IO=2F8h; IRQ=3] [IO=3E8h; IRQ=4]
[IO=2E8h; IRQ=3]
Back
Advanced\ Onboard Devices Configuration\ Serial Port Configuration
>
Serial Port Configuration
Serial Port
Select an optimal setting for Super
IO device.
Enabled
Change Settings
IO=3F8h; IRQ=4
3-38
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.5.8
APM
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced\ APM
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
>
Restore AC Power Loss
Power On By Keyboard
Power On By Mouse
Power On By PCIE
Power On By Ring
Power On By RTC
ErP Ready
Power Off
Specify what state to go to when
power is re-applied after a power
failure (G3 state).
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off]
[Power On]
[Power Off]
[Last State]
The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was
before the AC power loss.
Power On By Keyboard [Disabled]
[Disabled]
Disables the keyboard device from generating a wake event.
Configuration options to Enable keyboard to generate a wake event:
[Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]
Power On By Mouse [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the mouse device from generating a wake event.
Enables the mouse device to generate a wake event:
Power On By PCIE [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the PCIE devices from generating a wake event.
Enables the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the Ring device from generating a wake event.
Enables the Ring device to generate a wake event.
Power On By RTC [Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables RTC from generating a wake event.
When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date (Days) and Hour/
Minute/Second will become user-configurable with set values. Use <+>
and <-> keys to adjust the values.
ErP Ready [Disabled]
This item allows user to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP
requirement. When set to Enabled, all other PME options will be switched off.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-39
3.6
Monitor menu
The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change
the fan settings.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
CPU Temperature
CPU Temperature
MB Temperature
+45�C / +113�F
+34�C / +93�F
3325 RPM
N/A
CPU Fan Speed
CPU OPT Speed
Chassis Fan 1 Speed
Chassis Fan 2 Speed
Chassis Fan 3 Speed
Chassis Fan 4 Speed
CPU Q-Fan Control
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Enabled
600 RPM
Standard
Enabled
600 RPM
Standard
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit
CPU Fan Profile
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
Chassis 1 Q-Fan Control
Chassis 1 Fan Speed Low Limit
Chassis 1 Fan Profile
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
Scroll down to display the following items:
Chassis 2 Q-Fan Control
Chassis 2 Fan Speed Low Limit
Chassis 2 Fan Profile
Chassis 3 Q-Fan Control
Chassis 3 Fan Speed Low Limit
Chassis 3 Fan Profile
Chassis 4 Q-Fan Control
Chassis 4 Fan Speed Low Limit
Chassis 4 Fan Profile
CPU Voltage
Enabled
600 RPM
Standard
Enabled
600 RPM
Standard
Enabled
600 RPM
Standard
+1.184 V
+3.312 V
+5.080 V
+12.192 V
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Enter: Select
3.3V Voltage
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
5V Voltage
12V Voltage
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Anti Surge Support
Enabled
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
CPU Temperature / MB Temperature [xxx�C/xxx�F]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and motherboard
temperatures. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
3-40
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
CPU Fan Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
CPU OPT Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
Chassis Fan 1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxx RPM] or [Ignore] / [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, CPU OPT,
and chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignore if you do not wish to display the detected
speed.
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to
disable or set the CPU fan warning speed in case the fan stops working.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
CPU Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows
you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
[Standard] The CPU fan will automatically adjust depending on the CPU temperature
[Silent]
[Turbo]
[Manual]
Minimizes the fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation
Achieves maximum CPU fan speed
Users can assign detailed fan speed control parameters
The following four items appear only when you set CPU Fan Profile to [Manual].
CPU Upper Temperature [70] (in celsius)
Use the <+> and <-> keys to set the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from
20°C to 75°C. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, CPU fan will operate at
maximum duty cycle in full speed.
CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle (%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from
0% to 100%. The minimum value cannot be lower than the setting of the Min. Duty Cycle.
CPU Lower Temperature [20] (in celsius)
Displays the lower limit of the CPU temperature. Users can set the CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle
when CPU temperature is lower than the CPU Lower Temperature setting.
CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle (%) [20]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum CPU fan duty cycle. The values range from 0%
to 100%. When the CPU temperature is under 20�°C, the CPU fan will operate at the minimum
duty cycle.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-41
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis 1/2/3/4 Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to disable or set the chassis fan warning speed in case the fan stops working.
Configuration options: [Ignore] [200 RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] [600 RPM]
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Profile [Standard]
This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and
allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis fan.
[Standard] The chassis fan will automatically adjust depending on the chassis
temperature.
[Silent]
[Turbo]
[Manual]
Minimizes the fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation
Achieves maximum chassis fan speed
Users can assign detailed fan speed control parameters.
The following four items appear only when you set Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Profile to
[Manual].
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Upper Temperature [70] (in celsius)
Use the <+> and <-> keys to set the upper limit of the CPU temperature. The values range from
40°C to 90°C. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, CPU fan will operate at
maximum duty cycle in full speed.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Max. Duty Cycle (%) [100]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the maximum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from
60% to 100%. The minimum value cannot be lower than the setting of the Min Duty Cycle.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Lower Temperature [40] (in celsius)
Displays the lower limit of the chassis temperature. Users can set the CPU Fan Min. Duty Cycle
when CPU temperature is lower than the CPU Lower Temperature setting.
Chassis 1/2/3/4 Fan Min. Duty Cycle (%) [60]
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the minimum chassis fan duty cycle. The values range from
60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40�C, the chassis fan will operate at the
minimum duty cycle.
CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard
voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item.
Anti Surge Support [Enabled]
This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
3-42
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.7
Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Select the keyboard NumLock state
Bootup NumLock State
Full Screen Logo
On
Disabled
Enabled
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error
Option ROM Messages
Setup Mode
Force BIOS
EZ Mode
Boot Option Priorities
Boot Option #1
IBA GE Slo...
>
Network Device BBS Priorities
→←: Select Screen
↑↓: Select Item
Boot Override
IBA GE Slot 00CB V1372
>
Enter: Select
+/-: Change Opt.
F1: General Help
F2: Previous Values
F3: Shortcut
F5: Optimized Defaults
F6: ASUS Ratio Boost
F10: Save ESC: Exit
F12: Print Screen
Version 2.10.1208. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.
Bootup NumLock State [On]
[On]
[Off]
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].
Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Enables the full screen logo display feature.
Disables the full screen logo display feature.
Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
Disables this function.
The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.
Post Report [5 sec]
This item appears only when you set the Full Screen Logo item to [Disabled]. This item
allows you to select the desired Post Report waiting time from 1-10 sec.
Configuration options: [1 sec] [2 sec] [3 sec] [4 sec] [5 sec] [6 sec] [7 sec] [8 sec] [9 sec] [10
sec] [Until Press ESC].
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-43
Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS]
[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot
sequence.
[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party
manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.
Setup Mode [EZ Mode]
[Advanced Mode] Sets Advanced Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup
program.
[EZ Mode]
Sets EZ Mode as the default screen for entering the BIOS setup program.
Boot Option Priorities
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The
number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices
installed in the system. Select [Disabled] to disallow this function.
•
•
To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears.
To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, press <F8> after POST.
Boot Override
These items displays the available devices. The number of device items that appears on
the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Click an item to start
booting from the selected device.
3.8
Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the submenu.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
>
>
>
>
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
ASUS DRAM SPD Information
ASUS O.C. Profile
Be used to update BIOS
ASUS Drive Xpert
3-44
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility to update BIOS. 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.
For more details, refer to section 3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.
3.8.2
ASUS DRAM SPD Information
This menu shows information on the DIMM slots.
OK:
DRAM is working fine.
DRAM is not installed.
DRAM error.
N/A:
Abnormal:
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Tool\ ASUS Dram SPD Information
>
Click to enter DRAM SPD information.
Status:
>
>
>
DIMM_A1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
OK
OK: DRAM is working fine.
N/A: DRAM is not installed.
Abnormal: DRAM error.
> DIMM_B2
> DIMM_C1
>
DIMM_C2
DIMM_D1
DIMM_D2
N/A
OK
>
>
N/A
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-45
3.8.3
ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Tool\ ASUS O.C. Profile
>
O.C. Profile Configuration
Setup Profile1 Status :
Setup Profile2 Status :
Setup Profile3 Status :
Setup Profile4 Status :
Setup Profile5 Status :
Setup Profile6 Status :
Setup Profile7 Status :
Setup Profile8 Status :
Add Your CMOS Profile
Label
Inputs the label of setup profile
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Not Installed
Save to Profile
1
1
Load CMOS Profile
Load from Profile
The Setup Profile Status items will show Not Installed if no profile is created.
Label
Allows you to input the label of setup profile.
Save to Profile
Allows you to save the current BIOS settings to the BIOS Flash, and create a profile. Key
in a profile number from one to eight, or use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the number. Press
<Enter>, and then select Yes.
Load from Profile
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Key in the profile
number that saved your BIOS settings, or use <+> and <-> keys to adjust the number. Press
<Enter>, and then select Yes.
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the
system boot failure!
•
We recommend that you update the BIOS file only coming from the same memory/CPU
configuration and BIOS version.
3-46
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.8.4
ASUS Drive Xpert
This item allows you to configure RAID setup through SATA ports.
Exit
UEFI BIOS Utility - Advanced Mode
Main
Back
Ai Tweaker
Advanced
Monitor
Boot
Tool
Tool\ ASUS Drive Xpert
>
Drive Xpert Setup Utility
Drive Xpert Mode
Drive Xpert Mode
Normal Mode
Drive Xpert Device(s) List :
>
SATA6G_E1 (Navy Blue)
>
SATA6G_E2 (Navy Blue)
•
•
Before using the Drive Xpert function, please make sure that you have connected
the SATA signal cables and installed SATA hard disk drives to the SATA6G_E1 and
SATA6G_E2 connectors.
You can only make one Drive Xpert change at a time before you save BIOS settings and
restart the computer.
Drive Xpert Mode
This item allows you to choose the Drive Xpert modes.
[Normal Mode] Allows you to use the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors as normal
SATA connectors.
[Super Speed]
Allows you to use the Super Speed function that combines two hard drives
as on single drive partition.
[EZ Backup]
Allows you to use the EZ Backup function that copies and maintains an
identical image of data from the SATA6G_E1 drive to the SATA6G_E2
drive.
[Normal Mode]
When using only one hard disk in Normal Mode, connect the hard disk to the
SATA6G_E1 connector on the motherboard.
[Super Speed] [EZ Backup]
Please plug two EMPTY hard drives to the SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors
before using this function, or else all data stored in the two hard drives will be
destroyed!
Mode change might damage the operating system if the operating system is already
installed on one of the hard drives.
Drive Xpert Device(s) List:
SATA6G _E1/ E2 (Navy Blue)
While entering setup, BIOS auto detects the presence of SATA devices. Press
<Enter> to display the information of the hard disks which are connected to the
SATA6G_E1 and SATA6G_E2 connectors on the motherboard.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-47
3.9
Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and
save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit
menu.
Exit
Load Optimized Defaults
Save Changes & Reset
Discard Changes & Exit
ASUS EZ Mode
Launch UEFI Shell from filesystem device
Load Optimized Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Select Yes to load the default values.
Save Changes & Reset
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to
ensure the values you selected are saved. When you select this option or if you press <F10>,
a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.
Discard Changes & Exit
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you
select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to
discard changes and exit.
ASUS EZ Mode
This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen.
Launch UEFI Shell from filesystem device
This option allows you to attempt to launch the UEFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one
of the available filesystem devices.
3-48
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
3.10 Updating BIOS
The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system
stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there
is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS.
Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the
instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS ROM file for this
motherboard.
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.
1.
2.
3.
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a USB flash drive.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support DVD or
a USB flash drive when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
4.
ASUS BIOS Updater: Updates and backups the BIOS in DOS environment using the
motherboard support DVD and a USB flash disk drive.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need
to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS
Update or BIOS Updater utilities.
3.10.1
ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard
BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to:
•
•
•
•
•
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file
Save the current BIOS file
View the BIOS version information
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet
Service Provider (ISP).
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update > ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-49
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1.
From the ASUS Update screen,
select Update BIOS from Internet,
and then click Next.
2.
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network traffic.
If you want to enable the BIOS
downgradable function and auto
BIOS backup function, check the
checkboxs before the two items on
the screen.
3.
Select the BIOS version that you
want to download. Click Next.
4.
5.
You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo, which is the
image appearing on screen during
the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).
Click Yes if you want to change the
boot logo or No to continue.
Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.
3-50
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
1.
From the ASUS Update screen,
select Update BIOS from file, and
then click Next.
2.
Locate the BIOS file from the Open
window, click Open, and click Next.
3.
4.
You can decide whether to change
the BIOS boot logo. Click Yes if you
want to change the boot logo or No to
continue.
Follow the onscreen instructions to
complete the update process.
•
•
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information
vary by models.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-51
3.10.2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a
bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
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.
Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2.
Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select
ASUS EZ Flash Utility and press <Enter> to enable it.
Exit
ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility V01.04
Flash Info
MODEL: P9X79 WS
VER: 0238
DATE: 09/16/2011
File Path:
Drive Info
79
Folder Info
08/05/10 10:23p
fs0:\
4194304
P9X79D.ROM
fs1:\
File Info
MODEL:
VER:
DATE:
Help Info
[Enter] Select or Load
[Tab] Switch
[Up/Down/PageUp/PageDown/Home/End] Move
[Esc] Exit
[F2] Backup
3.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Drive field.
4.
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS,
and then press <Enter>.
5.
Press <Tab> to switch to the Folder Info field.
6.
Press the Up/Down arrow keys to find the BIOS file, and then press <Enter> to perrform
the BIOS update process. Reboot the system when the update process is done.
3-52
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
•
This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and
single partition only.
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system
boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.9 Exit Menu for
details.
3.10.3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the
BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a
corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains
the BIOS file.
The BIOS file in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS file published
on the ASUS official website. If you want to use the newer BIOS file, download the file at
support.asus.com and save it to a USB flash drive.
Recovering the BIOS
To recover the BIOS:
1.
Turn on the system.
2.
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB flash drive
containing the BIOS file to the USB port.
3.
The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility
reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically.
4.
The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure
system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F5> to load default
BIOS values.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-53
3.10.4
ASUS BIOS Updater
The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to update BIOS in DOS environment. This utility also
allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as a backup when the BIOS fails or
gets corrupted during the updating process.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.
Before updating BIOS
1.
Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive in FAT32/16 format and
single partition.
2.
Download the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater from the ASUS website at http://
support.asus.com and save them on the USB flash drive.
•
•
NTFS is not supported under DOS environment. Do not save the BIOS file and BIOS
Updater to a hard disk drive or USB flash drive in NTFS format.
Do not save the BIOS file to a floppy disk due to low disk capacity.
3.
Turn off the computer and disconnect all SATA hard disk drives (optional).
Booting the system in DOS environment
1.
Insert the USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to the USB port.
2.
Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS
Boot Device Select Menu. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive and select the
optical drive as the boot device.
Please select boot device:
SATA: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UEFI: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Enter Setup
↑ and ↓ to move selection
ENTER to select boot device
ESC to boot using defaults
3.
4.
When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Welcome to FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org)!
C:\>d:
D:\>
3-54
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Backing up the current BIOS
To backup the current BIOS file using the BIOS Updater
Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has enough free space to save
the file.
1.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /o[filename]and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /oOLDBIOS1.rom
Filename Extension
The [filename] is any user-assigned filename with no more than eight alphanumeric
characters for the filename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension.
2.
The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When
BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to the DOS prompt.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2011/04/29]
Current ROM
BOARD: P9X79 WS
VER: 0220
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: 08/09/2011
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
BIOS backup is done! Press any key to continue.
Note
Saving BIOS:
ASUS P9X79 WS
3-55
Updating the BIOS file
To update the BIOS file using BIOS Updater
1.
2.
At the FreeDOS prompt, type bupdater /pc /g and press <Enter>.
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
The BIOS Updater screen appears as below.
ASUSTek BIOS Updater for DOS V1.18 [2011/04/29]
Current ROM
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
BOARD: P9X79 WS
VER: 0220
DATE: Unknown
DATE: 08/09/2011
PATH: A:\
A:
P8P67D.ROM
4194304 2011-08-05 17:30:48
Note
[Enter] Select or Load
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
[Tab] Switch
[B] Backup
[V] Drive Info
[Esc] Exit
3.
Press <Tab> to switch between screen fields and use the <Up/Down/Home/End> keys
to select the BIOS file and press <Enter>. BIOS Updater checks the selected BIOS file
and prompts you to confirm BIOS update.
Are you sure to update BIOS?
Yes
No
4.
Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS
Updater. Restart your computer.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
•
•
For BIOS Updater version 1.04 or later, the utility automatically exits to the DOS
prompt after updating BIOS.
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability.
Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See Chaper 3
of your motherboard user manual for details.
•
Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have
disconnected them.
3-56
Chapter 3: BIOS setup
Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
Software support
4.1
Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 7
operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to
maximize the features of your hardware.
•
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented
in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed
information.
•
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before
installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.
4.2
Support DVD information
The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software
applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the
ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.
4.2.1
Running the support DVD
Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if
Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.
The Make Disk menu
contains items to
create the RAID/AHCI
driver disk.
The Manual menu contains
the list of supplementary user
manuals. Click an item to open
the folder of the user manual.
The Drivers menu shows the available
device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary
drivers to use the devices.
Click the Contact
tab to display the
ASUS contact
information.
The Utilities
menu shows the
applications and
other software that
the motherboard
supports.
Click an icon
to display DVD/
motherboard
information
Click an item
to install
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.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-1
4.2.2
Obtaining the software manuals
The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get
the necessary software manuals.
The software manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®
Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the files.
1.
Click on the Manual tab. Click
on ASUS Motherboard Utility
Guide from the manual list on the
left.
2.
The Manual folder of the support
DVD appears. Double-click the
folder of your selected software.
3.
Some software manuals are
provided in different languages.
Double-click the language to
show the software manual.
The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals
containing in the support DVD vary by models.
4-2
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3
Software information
Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you
through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software
application for more information.
4.3.1
AI Suite II
AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to
launch and operate these utilities simultaneously.
Installing AI Suite II
To install AI Suite II on your computer
1.
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your
computer has enabled the Autorun feature.
2.
3.
Click on the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite II.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete installation.
Using AI Suite II
AI Suite II automatically starts when you enter the Windows® operating system (OS). The AI
Suite II icon appears in the Windows® notification area. Click on the icon to open the AI Suite
II main menu bar.
Click on each button to select and launch a utility, to monitor the system, to update the
motherboard BIOS, to display the system information, and to customize the settings of AI Suite II.
Click to customize
the interface settings
Click to show the
system information
Click to update the motherboard BIOS
Click to monitor sensors
or CPU frequency
Click to select a utility
Shortcut to the Auto Tuning
Mode under TurboV EVO
•
•
•
The Auto Tuning button appears only on models with the TurboV EVO function.
The applications in the Tool menu vary with models.
The screeshots of AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference only. The actual
screenshots vary with models.
•
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website
at www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-3
4.3.2
TurboV EVO
ASUS TurboV EVO introduces TurboV that allows you to manually adjust the CPU frequency
and related voltages as well as Auto Tuning function that offers automatic and easy
overclocking and system level up. After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support
DVD, launch TurboV EVO by clicking Tool > TurboV EVO on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
TurboV
TurboV allows you to overclock the BCLK frequency, CPU voltage, CPU PLL voltage, and
DRAM Bus voltage in Windows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and
rebooting the OS.
Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the
system unstable.
For system stability, all changes made in TurboV will not be saved to BIOS settings and
will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Profile function to save your
customized overclocking settings and manually load the profile after Windows starts.
Click to select
mode
Load profile
Target values
Save the current
settings as a
new profile
Current values
Voltage
Adjustment
bars
Click to show
settings
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
4-4
Chapter 4: Software support
Using Advanced Mode
Click on the Advanced Mode tab to adjust the advanced voltage settings.
Advanced mode
Target values
Voltage
Adjustment
bars
Undoes all changes
without applying
Current values
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
CPU Ratio
Allows you to manually adjust the CPU ratio.
The first time you use CPU Ratio, go to AI Tweaker > CPU Power Management in BIOS
and set the Turbo Ratio item to [Maximum Turbo Ratio setting in OS].
1.
2.
3.
Click on the CPU Ratio tab.
Drag the adjustment bar upwards or downwards to the desired value.
Click on Apply to make the change take effect.
CPU Ratio
Adjustment bar
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore
all start-up
settings
Applies all changes
immediately
•
Set the CPU Ratio Setting item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function
in TurboV. Refer to Chapter 3 of your motherboard user manual for details.
•
The CPU Ratio bars show the status of the CPU cores, which vary with your CPU
model.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-5
CPU Strap
Allows you to manually adjust CPU Strap.
1.
2.
Click on the CPU Strap tab.
Click on the adjustment bar to the desired value. The graph on the right will change
value accordingly.
3.
Click on Apply to make the change take effect.
CPU Strap
Adjustment bar
Undoes all changes
without applying
Click to restore
Applies all changes
immediately
all start-up
settings
•
Every CPU Strap support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs.
Auto Tuning
ASUS TurboV EVO includes two auto tuning modes, providing the most flexible auto-tuning
options.
•
The overclocking result varies with the CPU model and the system configuration.
•
To prevent overheating from damaging the motherboard, a better thermal environment
is strongly recommended.
•
•
Fast Tuning: fast CPU overclocking
Extreme Tuning: extreme overclocking for CPU and memory
Using Fast Tuning
1.
Click the Auto Tuning tab and
then click Fast.
2.
Read through the warning
messages and click OK to start
auto-overclocking.
4-6
Chapter 4: Software support
3.
TurboV automatically overclocks
the CPU, saves BIOS settings
and restarts the system. After
re-entering Windows, a message
appears indicating auto tuning
success. Click OK to exit.
Using Extreme Tuning
1.
Click the Auto Tuning tab and then
click Extreme.
2.
Read through the warning
messages and click OK to start
auto-overclocking.
3.
TurboV automatically overclocks
the CPU and memory and restarts
the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears
indicating the current overclocking
result. To keep the result, click
Stop.
4.
If you did not click Stop in
the previous step, TurboV
automatically starts further system
overclocking and stability test.
An animation appears indicating
the overclocking process. Click
Stop if you want to cancel the
Overclocking process.
5.
TurboV automatically adjusts and
saves BIOS settings and restarts
the system. After re-entering
Windows, a message appears
indicating auto tuning success.
Click OK to exit.
ASUS P9X79 WS
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4.3.3
DIGI+ Power Control
DIGI+ PowerControl allows you to adjust VRM voltage and frequency modulation to enhance
reliability and stability. It also provides the highest power efficiency, generating less heat to
longer component lifespan and minimize power loss.
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch DIGI+ Power Control
by clicking Tool > DIGI+ Power Control on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Select CPU Power or DRAM Power to adjust the power control settings.
CPU Power
4
5
1
2
Application aids
3
Apply all changes
immediately
6
7
Undo all changes
without applying
Function no.
Function description
1
CPU Load-line Calibration
It allows you to adjust the voltage settings and control the system temperature.
Higher load-line calibration could get higher voltage and good overclocking
performance but increases the CPU and VRM thermal.
2
3
4
5
6
CPU Current Capability
CPU Current Capability provides wider total power range for overclocking. A higher
value setting gets higher VRM power consumption delivery.
CPU Voltage Frequency
Switching frequency will affect the VRM transient response and component thermal.
Higher frequency gets quicker transient response.
VCCSA Load-line Calibration
The behavior of the DRAM Controller is decided by the VCCSA Load-line. Set to a
higher value for system performance, or to a lower value for better thermal solution.
VCCSA Current Capability
A higher value brings wider total DRAM Controller power range and extends the
overclocking frequency range simultaneously.
CPU Power Phase Control
Increase phase number under heavy system loading to get more transient and
better thermal performance. Reduce phase number under light system loading to
increase VRM efficiency.
7
CPU Power Duty Control
CPU Power Duty Control adjusts the current of every VRM phase and the thermal of
every phase component.
4-8
Chapter 4: Software support
DRAM Power
1
Application aids
2
3
Apply all changes
immediately
Undo all changes
without applying
Function no.
Function description
DRAM Current Capability
A higher value brings a wider total power range and extends the overclocking
frequency range simultaneously.
1
2
3
DRAM Voltage Frequency
Allows you to adjust the DRAM switching frequency for system stability or to
increase OC Range.
DRAM Power Phase Control
Select Extreme for full phase mode to increase system performance or select
Optimized for ASUS optimized phase tuning profile to increase DRAM power
efficiency.
•
The actual performance boost may vary depending on your CPU specification.
•
Do not remove the thermal module. The thermal conditions should be monitored.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-9
4.3.4
EPU
EPU is an energy-efficient tool that satisfies different computing needs. This utility provides
several modes that you can select to save system power. Selecting Auto mode will have the
system shift modes automatically according to current system status. You can also customize
each mode by configuring settings like CPU frequency, GPU frequency, vCore Voltage, and
Fan Control.
Launching EPU
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch EPU by clicking
Tool > EPU on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Displays the following message
if no VGA power saving engine is
detected.
Multiple system
operating modes
The items lighting up
means power saving
engine is activated
Displays the amount
of CO2 reduced
*Shifts between the
display of Total and
Current CO2 reduced
Displays the current
CPU power
Advanced settings for each mode
Displays the system
properties of each mode
*•
*•
•
Select From EPU Installation to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you
installed EPU.
Select From the Last Reset to show the total CO2 that has been reduced since you
click the Clear button
.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-10
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.5
FAN Xpert+
FAN Xpert+ intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in
different geographic regions and your PC’s system loading. The built-in variety of useful
profiles offer flexible automatic and manual fan speed controls to achieve a quiet and cool
environment.
Launching FAN Xpert+
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch FAN Xpert+ by
clicking Tool > FAN Xpert+ on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using FAN Xpert+
Click Fan Name to select a fan and then click Setting to select a preset mode for your
selected fan.
Click to select a fan profile
Click to select a fan type
Click to apply the settings
Click to discard the settings
Fan setting
•
•
•
•
•
Disable: disables the FAN Xpert+ function.
Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.
Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.
Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.
User: Allows you to configure the CPU fan profile under certain limitations.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS P9X79 WS
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4.3.6
Probe II
Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you
of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature,
and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is
always at a healthy operating condition.
Launching Probe II
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Probe II by clicking
Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring Probe II
Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs to activate the sensors or to adjust the
sensor threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize the time interval of
sensor alerts, or change the temperature unit.
Saves your
configuration
Loads your saved
Applies your
changes
Loads the default
threshold values
for each sensor
configuration
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-12
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.7
Sensor Recorder
Sensor Recorder monitors the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed on
a timeline. The History Record function allows you to designate specific time spans on record
to keep track of the three system statuses for certain purposes.
Launching Sensor Recorder
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch Sensor Recorder by
clicking Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using Sensor Recorder
Click on Voltage/ Temperature/ Fan Speed tabs for the status you want to monitor. Colored
lines will automatically appear on the diagram to indicate the immediate changes in the
system status.
Using History Record
1.
Click on the History Record tab and adjust the settings on the left for Record Interval
and Record Duration according to need.
2.
3.
4.
Click on Recording to start measurement and recording of each sensor.
To stop recording, click on Recording again.
To track the recorded contents, set Type/ Date/ Select display items to display the
history details.
Click on Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and a highlight of the system
statuses will appear on the right panel.
ASUS P9X79 WS
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4.3.8
USB 3.0 Boost
The ASUS exclusive USB 3.0 Boost provides speed boost for USB 3.0 devices and the
up-to-date support of USB Attached SCSI Protocol (UASP). With USB 3.0 Boost, you can
accelerate the transfer speed of your USB 3.0 devices with ease.
Launching USB 3.0 Boost
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch USB 3.0 Boost by
clicking Tool > USB 3.0 Boost on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring USB 3.0 Boost
1.
2.
Connect a USB 3.0 device to the USB 3.0 port.
USB 3.0 Boost automatically detects the property of the connected device and
switches to Turbo mode or UASP mode (if UASP is supported by the connected
device).
3.
You can manually switch the USB 3.0 mode back to Normal mode at any time.
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
4-14
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.9
ASUS SSD Caching
This feature boosts system performance by using an installed SSD with no capacity
limitations as a cache for frequently accessed data. Harness a combination of SSD-like
performance and response and hard drive capacity with just one click. No rebooting is
needed with instant activation for complete ease of use.
Launching ASUS SSD Caching
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS SSD Caching
by clicking Tool > ASUS SSD Caching on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Configuring ASUS SSD Caching
1.
Connect one HDD and one SSD to the
the Marvell® SATA ports (SATA6G_E1/
E2). ASUS SSD Caching automatically
detects the HDD and SSD.
2.
Click on Caching Now! to initialize the
connected disks. Initialization status is
shown on the program interface.
3.
4.
Caching function will be activated once
initialization is complete.
Click on Disable when deactivating SSD
caching.
•
During initialization, you can proceed with doing any system operations. You can
check the caching status later or wait for a pop-up message notifying that initialization
is completed.
•
For regular usage, the SATA6G_E1/E2 connectors are recommended for data drives.
•
After disabling SSD Caching, the SSD will become a non-configurable disk in
Windows OS. To use the SSD again for normal functions, go to Disk Management to
reconfigure the SSD.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-15
4.3.10
ASUS Update
ASUS Update lays out the options for updating BIOS on your system. Update BIOS utility
on your system or simply save the utility for later use just by following the directions on this
convenient updating feature.
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch ASUS Update by
clicking Update> ASUS Update on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using ASUS Update
Select the way you would like to do with the BIOS utility. Click on Next and follow the
instructions to complete your request.
•
•
•
•
Update BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and
follow the suggested procedures to update the BIOS version on your system.
Download BIOS from Internet
Download the latest BIOS utility from the ASUS service website (www.asus.com) and
save for later use.
Update BIOS from file
Use the BIOS utility demanded from a source file to update the BIOS version on your
system.
Save BIOS to file
Back up the current BIOS utility on your system to another file or USB disk to save for
later use.
There may be risks of system crash when updating BIOS. Backing up the original BIOS
utility is recommended before updating.
4-16
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.11
MyLogo2
This MyLogo utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears
on screen during the Power-On-Self-Tests (POST). Personalize your computer from the very
beginning!
Launching ASUS Update
After installing AI Suite II from the motherboard support DVD, launch MyLogo by clicking
Update> MyLogo on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Using MyLogo
Select the way you would like to do update your boot logo. Then click Next and follow the
given instructions.
Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard
1.
Under Current BIOS, click Browse and choose the desired image for your boot logo.
Then click on Next.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-17
2.
3.
4.
5.
Click on Auto Tune to adjust image size compatibility or adjust the resolution bar.
You can click on Booting Preview to preview the boot image. Then click Next.
Click on Flash to start updating the image to the boot logo.
Click on Yes to reboot or you can also see the new logo next time you restart your
computer.
Change the boot logo of a downloaded BIOS file and update (or do not update) this
BIOS to the motherboard
1.
At BIOS File, Browse to download the requested BIOS file to your system. This utility
will help you detect the compatibility of the BIOS version.
2.
3.
Then at Picture File, Browse to select the desired image for boot logo. Click Next.
Follow steps 2-5 in Change the BIOS boot logo of my motherboard to complete
logo update.
The fullscreen logo application in BIOS utility must be enabled for MyLogo to take effect.
4-18
Chapter 4: Software support
4.3.12
Audio configurations
The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio
experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out
support, and interrupt capability. The CODEC also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and
giving users plug and play convenience.
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support DVD that
came with the motherboard package.
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the Realtek HD Audio
Manager icon on the taskbar. Double-click on the icon to display the Realtek HD Audio
Manager.
A. Realtek HD Audio Manager with DTS UltraPC II for Windows® 7™ / Vista™
Configuration option tabs (vary with the audio devices connected)
Device advanced
settings
Exit button
Minimize button
Information button
Control settings
Set default device buttons
Connector settings
Analog and digital connector status
B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP
Exit button
Configuration
options
Minimize button
Control settings
window
Information
button
Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at
www.asus.com for detailed software configuration.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-19
4.4
RAID configurations
The motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:
•
•
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 and RAID 5 support.
Mavell® RAID utility with RAID 0 and RAID 1 support.
•
•
•
You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions before using Serial
ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows® XP SP3 or later versions.
Due to Windows® XP / Vista limitation, a RAID array with the total capacity over 2TB
cannot be set as a boot disk. A RAID array over 2TB can only be set as a data disk
only.
If you want to install a Windows® operating system to a hard disk drive included in a
RAID set, you have to create a RAID driver disk and load the RAID driver during OS
installation. Refer to section 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
4.4.1
RAID definitions
RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in
parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a
sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access
and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to
a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications
to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID
configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use
two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be
of the same size or larger than the existing drive.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among
the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better HDD performance, fault tolerance, and
higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing,
relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.
Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
RAID 10 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy data) having
to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 configuration you get all the benefits of both
RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive
and three new drives for this setup.
4-20
Chapter 4: Software support
4.4.2
Installing Serial ATA hard disks
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install
identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:
1.
2.
3.
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
Connect the SATA signal cables.
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
4.4.3
Setting the RAID item in BIOS
You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s) using
SATA HDDs. To do this:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.
Go to the Advanced menu > SATA Configuration, and then press <Enter>.
Set the SATA Mode item to [RAID Mode].
Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.
Refer to Chapter 3 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS Setup.
Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at
RAID mode together.
4.4.4
Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
To enter the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility:
1.
2.
Turn on the system.
During POST, press <Ctrl> + <I> to display the utility main menu.
Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology
-
Option ROM
-
v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[
MAIN MENU
5. Exit
]
1. Create RAID Volume
2. Delete RAID Volume
3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID
4. Recovery Volume Options
[
DISK/VOLUME INFORMATION
]
RAID Volumes:
None defined.
Physical Devices:
Port Device Model
Serial
#
Size Type/Status(Vol ID)
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
9LS0HJA4
9LS0F4HL
3LS0JYL8
9LS0BJ5H
[↑↓]-Select
[ESC]-Exit
[ENTER]-Select Menu
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-21
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.
The utility supports maximum four hard disk drives for RAID configuration.
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) Rapid Storage Technology
-
Option ROM
-
v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
[
CREATE VOLUME MENU
Name: Volume0
]
RAID Level: RAID0(Stripe)
Disks: Select Disks
Strip Size:
Capacity: 0.0
Sync: N/A
128KB
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
#
Size Status
0
1
2
3
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
ST3160812AS
9LS0HJA4
9LS0F4HL
3LS0JYL8
9LS0BJ5H
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
149.0GB Non-RAID Disk
Select
2
to
6
disks to use in creating the volume.
[
↑↓
]-Prev/Next [SPACE]-SelectDisk [ENTER]-Done
4-22
Chapter 4: Software support
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.
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 4KB
to 128KB. 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.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-23
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) Rapid Storage Technology
-
Option ROM
-
v10.0.0.1032
Copyright(C) 2003-10 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.
Exiting the Intel® Rapid Storage Technology Option ROM utility
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.
4-24
Chapter 4: Software support
4.4.5
Marvell RAID utility
The onboard Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s controller allows you to create a RAID 0 or
RAID 1 array using two SATA hard disk drives. Refer to Chapter 2 of your motherboard user
manual for the exact location of the Marvell SATA 6.0 Gb/s connector.
To enter the Marvell utility, press <Ctrl> + <M> during POST.
All exisiting data on the hard disk drives will be erased when creating or deleting a RAID
array. Ensure that you have back up all your data in your hard disk drives before making
any change to the drive status.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
Information
HBA 0: Marvell
0
Vendor ID
:
:
:
:
1B4B
├
└
Virtual Disks
Device ID
9130
Free Physical Disks
Revision ID
BIOS Version
B1
├
└
PD 0: ST3160812AS
PD 8: ST3160812AS
1.0.0.1028
2.2.0.1105
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode
Firmware Version:
PCIe Speed Rate
:
Configure SATA as:
▶
▶
Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation
F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
Create a RAID Array
1.
2.
Move the selection bar to HBA 0: Marvell 0 and press <Enter>.
Select Configuration Wizard and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disks
HBA 0: Marvell
0
Port ID
PD ID
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
0
├
└
Virtual Disks
0
Free Physical Disks
Type
SATA PD
Unconfigured
152626MB
MCQ 3G 48Bits
3G
ST3160812AS
9LS0F4HL
3.AAE
*
├
└
PD 0: ST3160812AS
PD 8: ST3160812AS
Status
Size
Feature Support
Current Speed
Model
Serial
FW Version
▶
▶
Help
Use space bar to select the free disks to be used in the array.
ENTER: Operation SPACE: Select F10: Exit/Save ESC: Return
3.
Press <Space> to select the hard drives to be included in the RAID array.
An asterisk (*) appears in front of the selected hard drive. After selecting all the drives
needed for the RAID array, press <Enter> to continue.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-25
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Configure->Select free disksCreate Virtual Disk
HBA 0: Marvell
0
RAID Level
Max Size(MB)
Stripe Size
Quick Init
Name
Threshold(%)
Next
:
:
:
:
:
:
RAID
0
├
└
Virtual Disks
305253
64KB
Yes
Free Physical Disks
*
*
├
└
PD 0: ST3160812AS
PD 8: ST3160812AS
Default
90
▶
▶
Help
Virtual disk configurations.
ENTER: Select F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
4.
Use the up or down arrow key to move the selection bar and press <Enter> to
configure further RAID settings.
RAID Level: Select a RAID Level. Configuration options: [RAID 0] [RAID 1] [HyperDuo]
Stripe Size: Specifies the size of single data block on the virtual disk. In general, a
larger stripe size is recommended for applications requiring large data transfers such
as audio, video, and graphics. A smaller stripe size is better for applications with
content in much smaller size, such as e-mails and documents.
Configuration options: [32K] [64K]
Name: Enter a name with 1–10 letters (no special characters) for the RAID array.
5.
Move the selection bar to Next and press <Enter>. The following warning message
appears:
Create Virtual Disk
Do you want to create this virtual disk
?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to create the RAID array, or press <N> to cancel. The new RAID array
appears under Virtual Disks, as shown in the image below.
4-26
Chapter 4: Software support
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
HBA 0: Marvell
Virtual Disks
Information
0
Vendor ID
Device ID
Revision ID
:
:
:
:
1B4B
├
9130
│ └ VD 0: New_VD
B1
│
│
└
├
└
PD 0: ST3160812AS BIOS Version
1.0.0.1028
2.2.0.1105
5.0Gbps
AHCI Mode
PD 8: ST3160812AS Firmware Version:
PCIe Speed Rate
Configure SATA as:
Free Physical Disks
:
▶
▶
Help
Marvell RAID on chip controller.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
6.
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
Delete an existing RAID Array
1.
Select the RAID array to delete and press <Enter>. Select Delete and press <Enter>.
Marvell BIOS Setup (c) 2009 Marvell Technology Group Ltd.
Topology
Information
HBA 0: Marvell
0
ID
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
0
├
Virtual Disks
Name
New_VD
Functional
64K
│ └ VD 0: New_VD
Status
│
│
└
├
└
PD 0: ST3160[8D1e2lAeSte]Stripte Size
PD 8: ST3160812AS RAID Mode
RAID0
304128MB
N/A
2
0
Free Physical Disks
Size
BGA Status
Number of PDs
Members
8
▶
▶
Help
Delete the selected virtual disk.
ENTER: Operation F10: Exit/Save
ESC: Return
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-27
2.
The following warning message appears:
Delete Virtual Disk
Do you want to delete this virtual disk
?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to delete the selected RAID array. The following warning message appears:
Delete MBR
Do you want to delete MBR from this virtual disk
?
Yes No
Press <Y> to delete the Master Boot Record (MBR) from the selected RAID array.
Press <F10>. The following warning message appears:
3.
Exit
Do you want to exit from Marvell BIOS Setup?
Yes
No
Press <Y> to save the RAID setting and exit the Marvell RAID utility.
4-28
Chapter 4: Software support
4.5
Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system
on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.
•
•
The motherboard does not provide a floppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB floppy disk drive when creating a SATA RAID driver disk.
Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive due to Windows® XP
limitation. To work around this OS limitation, refer to section 4.5.4 Using a USB
floppy disk drive.
4.5.1
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
To create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Boot your computer.
Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility.
Set the optical drive as the primary boot device.
Insert the support DVD into the optical drive.
Save changes and exit BIOS.
Restart your computer.
When the Make Disk menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.
Insert a formatted floppy disk into the USB floppy disk drive, then press <Enter>.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
4.5.2
Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®
To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Start Windows®.
Plug the USB floppy disk drive and insert a floppy disk.
Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive.
Go to the Make Disk menu, and then click Intel AHCI/RAID Disk to create a RAID
driver disk.
5.
Select USB floppy disk drive as the destination disk.
6.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid a computer virus infection.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-29
4.5.3
Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installation
To install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:
1.
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-
party SCSI or RAID driver.
2.
Press <F6>, and then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the USB floppy disk drive.
3.
When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, select the RAID driver for the
corresponding OS version.
4.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
To install the RAID driver for Windows® Vista or later OS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
During the OS installation, click Load Driver to allow you to select the installation
media containing the RAID driver.
Insert the USB flash drive with RAID driver into the USB port or the support DVD into
the optical drive, and then click Browse.
Click the name of the device you’ve inserted, go to Drivers > RAID, and then select
the RAID driver for the corresponding OS version. Click OK.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Before loading the RAID driver from a USB flash drive, you have to use another computer
to copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to the USB flash drive.
4-30
Chapter 4: Software support
4.5.4
Using a USB floppy disk drive
Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB floppy disk drive when you
install the RAID driver from a floppy disk during the OS installation.
To solve this issue, add the USB floppy disk drive’s Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID) to
the floppy disk containing the RAID driver. Refer to the steps below:
1.
Using another computer, plug the USB floppy disk drive, and insert the floppy disk
containing the RAID driver.
2.
Right-click My Computer on the
Windows® desktop or start menu,
and then select Manage from the
pop-up window.
or
3.
Select Device Manager. From the
Universal Serial Bus controllers,
right-click xxxxxx USB Floppy, and
then select Properties from the pop-up
window.
The name of the USB floppy disk
drive varies with different vendors.
4.
Click Details tab. The Vendor ID (VID)
and Product ID (PID) are displayed.
5.
Browse the contents of the RAID driver
disk to locate the file txtsetup.oem.
6.
Double-click the file. A window appears,
allowing you to select the program for
opening the oem file.
ASUS P9X79 WS
4-31
7.
Use Notepad to open the file.
8.
9.
Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] sections in the txtsetup.oem
file.
Type the following line to the bottom of the two sections:
id = “USB\VID_xxxx&PID_xxxx”, “usbstor”
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_1C02&CC_0106”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
[HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer]
id= “PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2822&CC_0104”,”iaStor”
id= “USB\VID_03EE&PID_6901”, “usbstor”
Add the same line to both sections.
The VID and PID vary with different vendors.
10. Save and exit the file.
4-32
Chapter 4: Software support
This chapter describes how to install and
configure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and
NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.
Multiple GPU
5
technology support
Chapter summary
5
5.2
5.3
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology........................................................... 5-5
NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology .................................................... 5-12
ASUS P9X79 WS
5.1
ATI® CrossFireX™ technology
The motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to
install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards. Follow the installation
procedures in this section.
5.1.1
Requirements
•
In CrossFireX mode, you should have two identical CrossFireX-ready
graphics cards or one CrossFireX-ready dual-GPU graphics card that are
ATI® certified.
•
•
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the ATI CrossFireX technology.
Download the latest driver from the AMD website (www.amd.com).
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum
power required by your system.
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal
environment.
•
Visit the ATI Game website at http://game.amd.com for the latest certified
graphics card and the supported 3D application list.
5.1.2
Before you begin
For ATI CrossFireX to work properly, you have to uninstall all existing graphics card
drivers before installing ATI CrossFireX graphics cards to your system.
To uninstall existing graphics card drivers
1.
2.
Close all current applications.
For Windows XP, go to Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
For Windows Vista, go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
3.
4.
Select your current graphics card driver/s.
For Windows XP, select Add/Remove.
For Windows Vista, select Uninstall.
5.
Turn off your computer.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-1
5.1.3
Installing CrossFireX graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the
motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the
same.
1.
2.
Prepare two CrossFireX-ready
graphics cards.
Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user
manual for the locations of the
PCIEX16 slots recommended for
multi-graphics card installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the
CrossFireX bridge connector to the
goldfingers on each graphics card.
Ensure that the connector is firmly
in place.
Goldfingers
CrossFireX bridge
5.
6.
Connect two independent auxiliary
power sources from the power
supply to the two graphics cards
separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the
graphics card.
5-2
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.1.4
Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install
the device drivers.
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the ATI®
CrossFireX™ technology. Download the latest driver from the AMD website at
www.amd.com.
5.1.5
Enabling the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the CrossFireX™
feature through the ATI Catalyst™ Control Center in Windows environment.
Launching the ATI Catalyst Control Center
To launch the ATI Catalyst Control Center
1.
Right-click on the Windows® desktop and
select Catalyst(TM) Control Center.
You can also right-click the ATI icon in
the Windows notification area and select
Cayalist Control Center.
2.
The Catalyst Control Center Setup
Assistant appears when the system
detects the existance of multi-
graphics cards. Click Go to continue
to the Catalyst Control Center
Advanced View window.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-3
Enabling Dual CrossFireX settings
1.
In the Catalyst Control Center
window, click Graphics Settings >
CrossFireX > Configure.
2
2.
From the Graphics Adapter list,
select the graphics card to act as
the display GPU.
3
1
3.
4.
Select Enable CrossFireX.
Click Apply, and then click OK to
exit the window.
4
5-4
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology
that allows you to install multi-graphics processing units (GPU) graphics cards.
Follow the installation procedures in this section.
5.2.1
Requirements
•
•
•
•
In Dual SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards
that are NVIDIA® certified.
In Triple SLI mode, you should have three identical SLI-ready graphics cards
that are NVIDIA® certified.
Ensure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology.
Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum
power required by your system.
•
•
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal
environment.
The NVIDIA Triple SLI technology is supported by Windows® Vista™
operating system only.
Visit the NVIDIA zone website at http://www.nzone.com for the latest
certified graphics card and supported 3D application list.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-5
5.2.2
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the
motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the
same.
1.
2.
Prepare two SLI-ready graphics
cards.
Insert the two graphics card into the
PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots,
refer to Chapter 2 in this user
manual for the locations of the
PCIEX16 slots recommended for
multi-graphics card installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly
seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the SLI bridge
connector to the goldfingers on
each graphics card. Ensure that the
connector is firmly in place.
5.
6.
Connect two independent auxiliary
power sources from the power
supply to the two graphics cards
separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to
the graphics card.
SLI bridge
Goldfingers
5-6
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2.3
Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards
1.
2.
Prepare three SLI-ready graphics
cards.
Insert the three graphics card
into the PCIEX16 slots. If your
motherboard has more than two
PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2
in this user manual for the locations
of the PCIEX16 slots recommended
for multi-graphics card installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly
seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the 3-
Way SLI bridge connector to the
goldfingers on each graphics card.
Ensure that the connector is firmly
in place.
5.
6.
Connect three independent auxiliary
power sources from the power
supply to the three graphics cards
separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to
the graphics card.
3-Way SLI bridge
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-7
5.2.4
Installing four SLI-ready graphics cards
1.
2.
Prepare four SLI-ready graphics cards.
Insert the four graphics card into the PCIEX16 slots. If your motherboard
has more than two PCIEX16 slots, refer to Chapter 2 in this user manual
for the locations of the PCIEX16 slots recommended for multi-graphics card
installation.
3.
Ensure that the cards are properly seated on the slots.
4.
Align and firmly insert the 4-Way SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on
each graphics card. Ensure that the connector is firmly in place.
5.
6.
Connect four independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to
the four graphics cards separately.
Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card.
4-Way SLI bridge
5-8
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
5.2.5
Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install
the device drivers.
•
Ensure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA
website at www.nvidia.com.
•
If you are using a Triple SLI system, ensure to install the NVIDIA® 3-way
SLI driver under Windows® Vista™. The NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology is
supported by Windows® Vista™ only.
5.2.6
Enabling the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the SLI feature
in NVIDIA® Control Panel under the Windows® Vista™ operating system.
Launching the NVIDIA Control Panel
You can launch the NVIDIA Control Panel by the following two methods.
A.
Right click on the empty space of the Windows®
desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears (See
Step B5 on page 5-10).
B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item
in step (A), select Personalize.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-9
B2. From the Personalization window,
select Display Settings.
B3. From the Display Settings dialog box,
click Advanced Settings.
B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and
then click Start the NVIDIA Control
Panel.
5-10
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window
appears.
Enabling Dual SLI settings
From the NVIDIA Control Panel window,
select Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable
SLI and set the display for viewing SLI
rendered content. When done, click Apply.
Enabling Triple SLI settings
1.
From the NVIDIA Control Panel
window, select Set SLI Configuration,
and then click Enable 3-way NVIDIA
SLI. When done, click Apply.
2.
Select the 3D Settings tab and enable
the Show SLI Visual Indicators item.
When this item is enabled, a green bar
appears on the left side of the screen
while 3D demonstrations are rendered,
indicating the 3-way SLI status.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-11
5.3
NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology and up to 4 NVIDIA®
Telsa™ computing processor cards, providing the optimum multi purpose
computing performance. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
5.3.1
Requirements
•
•
32/64-bit Microsoft® Windows XP/ Vista/ Linux RHEL5.X/ Open SuSE11.X OS
The requirements of memory and power supply vary with the Telsa cards you
installed.
•
•
We recommend that you install additional chassis fans for better thermal
environment.
The installation steps might be a little different with the Telsa cards you
selected and the VGA output functions. Visit http://www.nvidia.com for more
details if needed.
•
Visit the NVIDIA CUDA Zone website at http://www.nvidia.com/object/
cuda_home.html for the latest driver, list of CUDA-certified graphics card
and supported 3D application list.
5.3.2
Installing CUDA-ready graphics cards
The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the
motherboard layout may vary with models, but the general installation steps
remain the same.
1.
Insert four Tesla computing
processor card(s) into the PCIe
x16_1, PCIe x16_2, PCIe x16_3,
and PCIe x16_4 slot. Ensure that
the cards are properly seated on the
slot.
5-12
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
2.
3.
Connect either one 8-pin power
connector or two 6-pin power
connectors from the power
supply to the Quadro graphics
card and Tesla computing
processor card(s).
Connect a display cable to the
graphics card.
SLI bridge
Goldfingers
4.
5.
Refer to the documentation that
came with your graphics card
package to install the device drivers.
To verify graphics card driver
installation, right-click My
Computer and select Properties
from the menu. Click the Hardware
tab, and then click Device
Manager. Click the “+” sign before
Display adapters, and the installed
graphics card and computing processor card(s) should appear.
The screen differs based on the components you installed.
ASUS P9X79 WS
5-13
5-14
Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Address
Telephone
Fax
E-mail
Web site
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+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2890-7798
www.asus.com.tw
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Telephone
Online support
+86-21-38429911
support.asus.com
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Address
Telephone
Fax
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+1-812-282-3777
+1-510-608-4555
usa.asus.com
Web site
Technical Support
Telephone
Support fax
+1-812-282-2787
+1-812-284-0883
support.asus.com
Online support
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address
Fax
Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
+49-2102-959911
Web site
Online contact
www.asus.de
www.asus.de/sales
Technical Support
Telephone
Support Fax
+49-1805-010923*
+49-2102-9599-11
support.asus.com
Online support
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