Asus P7P55D-E EVO User Manual Page 1

MotherboardP7P55D-E EVO

xAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis guid

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-1Chapter 4If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from th

4-2 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.2.2 Obtaining the software manualsThe software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instruct

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-3Chapter 44.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you throu

4-4 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.2 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.Launching AI Suite1. In

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-5Chapter 44.3.3 ASUS Fan XpertAsus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to different ambi

4-6 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed softwa

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-7Chapter 44.3.5 ASUS Express GateASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet, Skyp

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for detailed softwa

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-9Chapter 44.3.7 ASUS T.ProbeThe onboard T.Probe microchip detects and balances power phase loading and temperature in real-time.

xiConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Typo

4-10 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.8 Intel® Extreme Tuning UtilityThe Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (IXTU) allows easy overclocking for you

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-11Chapter 44.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the Intel® P55 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard di

4-12 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal perf

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-13Chapter 4Creating a RAID volumeTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press <E

4-14 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 45. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle mar

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-15Chapter 4Deleting a RAID setTake caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when you delet

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP ope

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 4-17Chapter 44.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive when yo

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 45. Browse the contents of the RAID driver disk to locate the le txtsetup.oem.6. Double-click the le. A wi

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 5-1Chapter 55.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the ATI® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install mul

xiiP7P55D-E EVO specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3 Processors Supports

5-2 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55. Connect two independent auxiliary power sources from the power supply to the two graphics

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 5-3Chapter 55.1.4 Installing the device driversRefer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 55.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technologyThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 5-5Chapter 54. Align and rmly insert the SLI bridge connector to the goldngers on each graphics card. Ensure that the connector i

5-6 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5B1. If you cannot see the NVIDIA Control Panel item in step (A), select Personalize.B2. From

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 5-7Chapter 5B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel.B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window a

5-8 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5

xiii(continued on the next page)P7P55D-E EVO specications summaryASUS unique features Unique PCIe X4 Bridge Chip for Ultra Performance - True USB

xiv*Specications are subject to change without notice.P7P55D-E EVO specications summaryBack panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 1-1Chapter 1Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7P55D-E PRO motherboard!The motherb

1-2 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsIntel® LGA1156 Lynneld Processor ReadyThis motherboard supp

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 1-3Chapter 1Auto TuningAuto Tuning is an intelligent tool that automates overclocking to achieve a total system level up. This tool

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1ASUS Quiet Thermal SolutionsASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overcloc

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-1Chapter 22.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any mo

iiE5136First Edition (V1) November 2009Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and s

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and inte

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-3Chapter 22.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)2-382. LGA11

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in th

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-5Chapter 22.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1156 socket designed for the Intel® Cor

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 23. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow until the load plate is completely lifted.Load plate

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-7Chapter 26. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensu

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe Intel® LGA1156 processor requires a specially designed heats

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-9Chapter 23. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan c

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Me

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-11Chapter 22.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sock

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1067MHz capability for CPU at 2.66, 2.8 and 2.

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-13Chapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333MHz capability for CPU at 2.66, 2.8 and 2.93GHz (continu

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability for CPU at 2.66GHz Vendor P

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-15Chapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHzVendor Part No.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1800MHz capability for CPU at 2.66GHzP7P55D-E

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-17Chapter 2P7P55D-E EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1866MHz capability for CPU at 2.66GHzP7P55D-E EVO Motherboar

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2• ASUS exclusively provides hyper DIMM support function.• Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-19Chapter 22.4.4 Removing a DIMMTo remove a DIMM:1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.2. Remo

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections des

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-21Chapter 22.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.IRQ Priori

ivContents2.6 Onboard switches ... 2-242.7 Connectors ...

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-23Chapter 2• In single VGA card mode, use rst the PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (blue) for a PCI Express x16 graphics card to get better p

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.6 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-ca

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-25Chapter 23. MemOK! switchInstalling DIMMs that are incompaible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. DRAM overvoltage setting switch (OV_DRAM)This switch allows you to enable or disable the advanced DRA

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-27Chapter 22.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectorsRear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 22.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.7.2 Audio I/O connectionsAudio I/O ports Connect to Headphone and Mic** Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel co

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-29Chapter 2Connect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-31Chapter 22.7.3 Internal connectorsDrive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connectorSingle device Cable-Select or Master -

v3.5.5 Intel(R) TurboMode Tech ...3-173.5.6 Xtreme Phase Full Power Mode ...

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Intel® P55 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA 1-6 [blue])These connectors are for the Serial ATA signa

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-33Chapter 23. Marvell® Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA_6G_1, 7-pin SATA_6G_2 [gray])These connectors are for the Seri

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. JMicron® JMB363 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA_E1 [blacl])This connector is for a Serial ATA signa

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-35Chapter 26. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cabl

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 27. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-37Chapter 28. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PD

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 210. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs.

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-39Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable t

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.7.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front p

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 2-41Chapter 22.8 Onboard LEDs POST State LEDsPOST State LEDs check key components (CPU, DRAM, VGA card, and HDD) in sequence durin

vi3.8 Boot menu ... 3-323.8.1 Boot Device Priority...

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.9 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-1Chapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSBIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage device conguratio

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard B

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-3Chapter 33. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.4. From the FTP site

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a boot

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-5Chapter 33.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restor

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Booting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-7Chapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any key t

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart yo

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-9Chapter 33.3 BIOS setup programA BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the computer, the s

viiChapter 5: Multiple GPU technology support5.1 ATI® CrossFireX™ technology ...5-15.

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.3.3 Navigation keysAt the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu.

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-11Chapter 33.4 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Type [Auto]Allows you to select the type of device installed.[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is in

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-13Chapter 33.4.2 Storage CongurationThe Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item th

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4.3 AHCI CongurationThis menu is the section for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the item Cong

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-15Chapter 33.5 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when changin

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3The conguration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the CPU/DIMMs you install on the motherboard

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-17Chapter 33.5.3 CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use the &

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.14 DRAM Timing ControlThe items in this menu allow you to set the DRAM timing control features.The conguratio

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-19Chapter 3DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto

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

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.15 CPU Differential Amplitude [Auto]Different AMP might enhance BCLK overclocking ability. Conguration option

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-21Chapter 33.5.22 DRAM DATA REF Voltage on CHA/B [Auto]Allows you to set the DRAM DATA Reference Voltage on Channel A/B. The valu

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to ma

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-23Chapter 3CPU Ratio Setting [Auto]Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the BCLK Frequency. Use <+> an

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Active Processor Cores [All]Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor package. Con

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-25Chapter 33.6.3 Onboard Devices CongurationHDA Controller [Enabled][Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.[Disa

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6.4 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features. Select an item and pres

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-27Chapter 33.6.5 PCIPnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.Plug And Play O/S [No

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Selec

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-29Chapter 3Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off][Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.[Power Off] The s

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

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.7.7 Hardware MonitorCPU Temperature(PECI) / MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]The onboard hardware monitor automatical

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-31Chapter 3CPU Fan Max. Duty Cycle [100%]Sets the maximum CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU temperature reaches the upper limit, th

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter&

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-33Chapter 33.8.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled][Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST ite

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.8.3 SecurityThe Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item and press &

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-35Chapter 3Change User PasswordSelect this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen sh

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-37Chapter 3Current CMOSRestore CMOSA:Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B]

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.9.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message appear

ASUS P7P55D-E EVO 3-39Chapter 33.10 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and sav