Asus P8B User Manual

MotherboardP8B WS

x DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the co

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings.Ma

ASUS P8B WS 3-25CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.CPU Fan

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and allows you

ASUS P8B WS 3-273.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Bootup NumLock State [On][On] Sets the power-on state o

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.8 Tool menuThe Tool menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter&g

ASUS P8B WS 3-29 This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitSave

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.8.3 Asus SPD InformationMainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitDrive Xpert ModeBack Tool\ Asus SPD Information &

ASUS P8B WS 3-313.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.10 Updating BIOSThe ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatib

ASUS P8B WS 3-333.10.1 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® e

xiP8B WS specications summaryCPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i3 desktop processor LGA 1155 socket for Intel® XEON E3-1200 seri

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc. If you want to enable the BIOS downgradable function and

ASUS P8B WS 3-35• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.• Refer to the software manual

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash UtilityThe ASUS EZ Flash Utility feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootabl

ASUS P8B WS 3-373.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS l

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupBooting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB port

ASUS P8B WS 3-392. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key to return to th

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup4. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your compu

4Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

ASUS P8B WSChapter summary44.1 Installing an operating system ... 4-14.2 Support DVD information ...

ASUS P8B WS 4-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. D

xiiAudio Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Denition Audio CODEC - BD Audio Layer Content Protection - Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-streaming

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support4.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions belo

ASUS P8B WS 4-34.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installa

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.2 EPUEPU is an energy-efcient tool that satises different computing needs. This utility provides several modes t

ASUS P8B WS 4-5Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.4.3.3 FA

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.4 Probe IIProbe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any p

ASUS P8B WS 4-74.3.5 Sensor RecorderSensor Recorder allows you to monitor the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed, as well as r

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.6 Ai Charger+Battery Charging Version 1.1 (BC 1.1), a USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) certied USB charging functi

ASUS P8B WS 4-9 The Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportControl settings windowoptions Information buttonExit buttonMinimize buttonB. Realtek HD Audio Manager f

ASUS P8B WS 4-114.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solution:• Intel® Rapid Storage Technology with RAID 0, RAID

xiiiInternal I/O Connectors 24-pin ATX Power connector 8-pin ATX +12V Power connector CPU fan with PWM control Chassis fan1 with Q-fan control Chassis

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,

ASUS P8B WS 4-13Creating a RAID setTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <Enter>. The foll

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support5. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the se

ASUS P8B WS 4-15Deleting a RAID setTake caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delete a RAID set.To

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support4.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating sys

ASUS P8B WS 4-174.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationTo install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1. During the OS installa

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Due to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive when y

ASUS P8B WS 4-198. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstationServer] sections in the

4-20 Chapter 4: Software support

5 Multiple GPU technology supportThis chapter describes how to install and congure multiple ATI® CrossFireX™ and NVIDIA® SLI™ graphics cards.

xiv

ASUS P8B WSChapter summary55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ... 5-15.2 NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology ...

ASUS P8B WS 5-15.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-graphics proc

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support5. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics cards sep

ASUS P8B WS 5-35.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers.

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportEnabling Dual CrossFireX settings1. In the Catalyst Control Center window, click Graphics Settings >

ASUS P8B WS 5-55.2 NVIDIA® CUDA™ technologyThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® CUDA™ technology and up to 4 NVIDIA® Telsa™ computing processor cards

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support2. Connect either one 8-pin power connector or two 6-pin power connectors from the power supply to the

ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Taiwan)Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Web site

EC Declaration of Conformity We, the undersigned, Manufacturer: ASUSTek COMPUTER INC. Address, City: No. 150, LI-TE RD., PEITOU, TAIPEI 112, TAIWAN R.

1Chapter 1: Product introductionThis chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

ASUS P8B WSChapter summary11.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package conten

ASUS P8B WS 1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS P8B WS motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, m

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsGreen ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the Europe

ASUS P8B WS 1-3USB 3.0 SupportExperience ultra-fast data transfers at 4.8Gbps with USB 3.0--the latest connectivity standard. Built to connect easily

iiE6384First Edition February 2011Copyright © 2011 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and softwa

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionCUDA parallel computing power supportedThe motherboard will achieve outstanding and dependable performance in the r

ASUS P8B WS 1-5AI Suite IIOne-stop Access to Innovative ASUS FeaturesWith its fast user-friendly interface, ASUS AI Suite II consolidates all exclusiv

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionASUS Q-DesignDIY quickly, DIY easily!ASUS Q-Design enhances your DIY experience. All of Q-LED, Q-DIMM, and Q-Slot d

ASUS P8B WS 1-7ASUS Crystal Sound8 Channel Audio CodecThe onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

2Chapter 2: Hardware informationThis chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It inclu

ASUS P8B WSChapter summary22.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overview

2.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.• Unplug t

2.2 Motherboard overview2.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.2-2

2.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots Page1. LGA1155 CPU Socket 2-42. Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) 2-283. DDR

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety information ...

2.2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for the Intel® 2nd Generation Core™ i3 series D

2.2.4 System memoryThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) slots.

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets depending on the installed CPU.• Yo

P8B WS Motherboard  3-1333MHz capability-1333MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip BrandChi

• 1 DIMM: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory conguration.• 2 DIMMs: Supports one pair of modules inserted into eithe

P8B WS Motherboard  3-1066MHz capability-1066MHz capabilityVendors Part No. Size SS/DSChip Brand Ch

2.2.5 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and da

IRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HPCIEx16_1 shared – – – – – – –PCIEx16_2 shared – – – – – –PCIEx16_3 – – shared – – – – –PCIEx16_4 s

2.2.6 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal f

2. GPU Boost switchTurning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet stable GPU speed.For ensuring the system perfo

ivContents2.3.10 Rear panel connection ... 2-422.3.11 Audio I/O connections ...

3. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompatible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the

2.2.7 Onboard LEDs1. POST State LEDsPOST State LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD) in sequence during motherboard booting proce

3. EPU LEDThe EPU LED lights when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.4. Standby power LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights

5. DRAM LEDThe DRAM_LED lights when the installed DIMMs incompatible with the motherboard or improperly installed. When using the MemOK! switch for a

2.2.8 Jumper1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of da

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

2.2.9 Internal connectors1. Intel® C206 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1/2 [gray])These connectors connect to Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s hard

2. Intel® C206 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 d

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboar

4. 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

vContentsChapter 4: Software support4.1 Installing an operating system ... 4-14.2 Support DVD infor

6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1/2/3; 3-pin PWR_FAN)Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the mothe

7. 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 l

9. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certicates,

Code table for G.P. Diagnosis card15, 19 Initiate chip AC OS in PIC modeE0 Check and wake up system AA OS in APIC mode2B-2F Prepare system for memory

10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to t th

• 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 po

2.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of screws Philips (cross) screwdriverPC chassis Pow

AB1232.3.2 CPU installationASUS P8B WS 2-31

CBA5642-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and

viNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two cond

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly2ABBA12-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBAASUS P8B WS 2-35

2.3.5 Motherboard installation21The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installatio

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.3ASUS P8B WS 2-37

2.3.6 ATX Power connection12OR2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.7 SATA device connection2OR1ASUS P8B WS 2-39

2.3.8 Front I/O ConnectorIDE_LEDPOWER SWRESET SWIDE_LED-IDE_LED+PWRResetGroundGround1 2USBAAFPTo install ASUS Q-ConnectorTo install USB ConnectorTo i

2.3.9 Expension Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cardsASUS P8B WS 2-41

2.3.10 Rear panel connectionRear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse and keyboard port 7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 42. IEEE 1394a port 8. USB 3.0 ports 1 an

Port H e a d s e t 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue Line In Line In Line In Line InLime Line

viiREACHComplying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemic

Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel SpeakersASUS P8B WS 2-45

2.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches are off.3. Conne

2.5 Turning off the computerWhile the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode

2-48 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3BIOS setupThis chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also pr

Chapter summary3ASUS P8B WS3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 3-13.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS P8B WS 3-13.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguration, overclocking

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.2.1 EZ ModeBy default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overv

ASUS P8B WS 3-3MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitVersion 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2011 American Megatrends, Inc.[X.M.P.] When XMP i

viiiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupMenu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows th

ASUS P8B WS 3-53.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an ov

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupAdministrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator password for a

ASUS P8B WS 3-7User PasswordIf you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system. The User Password item on top

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changing the

ASUS P8B WS 3-9Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. This item app

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupGPU BoostGPU Boost accelerates the integrated GPU for extreme graphics performance. Conguration options: [Ok] [Cancel]DRAM

ASUS P8B WS 3-11Primary Plane Current Limit [Auto]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.Secondary Plane Current Limit [Auto]Use the

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupVCCSA Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the VCCSA voltage. The values range from 0.77V to 1.60V with a 0.01V interval.CPU PLL

ASUS P8B WS 3-13Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.3.5 Adva

ixRefer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.1. ASUS websitesThe ASU

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.The items

ASUS P8B WS 3-15Active Processor Cores [All]Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. Conguration options:

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitSelect which graphics controller to use as the

ASUS P8B WS 3-17 MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitEnabled/Disabled the High Precision Event Timer.Back Advanced\ P

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupSATA Mode [IDE Mode]Allows you to set the SATA conguration.[Disabled] Disables the SATA function.[IDE Mode] Set to [IDE M

ASUS P8B WS 3-19 The items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item shows the auto-detecte

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup MainAi TweakerAdvanced Monitor Boot ToolExitVersion 2.00.1201. Copyright (C) 2011

ASUS P8B WS 3-21VIA 1394 Controller [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the controller.[Enabled] Enables the onboard IEEE 1394a controller.Intel LAN2 Contr

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupRestore AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.[Power On] The system g

ASUS P8B WS 3-23Power On By RTC [Disabled][Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items RTC Alarm Date