Asus P8C User Manual

MotherboardP8C WS

xP8C WS specications summaryCPU LGA1155 socket for Intel® 2nd / 3rd Generation Core™ i3 desktop processorLGA1155 socket for Intel® Xeon® E3-1200/ 12x

3-38Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility is an auto recovery tool that allows you to r

ASUS P8C WS3-39Chapter 3Booting the system in DOS environment1. Insert the USB ash drive with the latest BIOS le and BIOS Updater to the USB port.2

3-40Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 32. The BIOS Updater backup screen appears indicating the BIOS backup process. When BIOS backup is done, press any k

ASUS P8C WS3-41Chapter 34. Select Yes and press <Enter>. When BIOS update is done, press <ESC> to exit BIOS Updater. Restart your compute

3-42Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3

ASUS P8C WS4-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Do

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

ASUS P8C WS4-3Chapter 4• The applications in the Tool menu vary with models. • The screeshots of AI Suite II in this user manual are for reference o

4-4Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4*• Select From EPU Installation to show the CO2 that has been reduced since you installed EPU.*• Select From

ASUS P8C WS4-5Chapter 4Click to select a fan typeClick to select a fan proleClick to apply the settingsClick to discard the settingsRefer to the soft

xiP8C WS specications summaryASUS Unique FeaturesGPU Boost with switchASUS Power Design- 8+2 Phase Power DesignASUS EPU- EPU, EPU SwitchASUS Exclusiv

4-6Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Loads the default threshold values for each sensorApplies your changesLoads your saved congurationSaves your c

ASUS P8C WS4-7Chapter 4Click on Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar and a highlight of the system statuses will appear on the right p

4-8Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.3.5 ASUS UpdateASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in

ASUS P8C WS4-9Chapter 44.3.6 MyLogoMyLogo allows you to customize the boot logo, which is the image that appears on the screen during the Power On S

4-10Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Ensure to enable the Full Screen Logo in BIOS to use this feature.5. Click Flash to update the boot logo.6.

ASUS P8C WS4-11Chapter 44.4 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience

4-12Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.5 RAID congurationsThe motherboard supports the following SATA RAID solutions:• Intel® Rapid Storage Techn

ASUS P8C WS4-13Chapter 44.5.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disksThe motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install

4-14Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Creating a RAID setTo create a RAID set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume and press

ASUS P8C WS4-15Chapter 45. Use the up/down arrow key to select a drive, and then press <Space> to select. A small triangle marks the selected d

xii

4-16Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Deleting a RAID setTake caution when deleting a RAID set. You will lose all data on the hard disk drives when

ASUS P8C WS4-17Chapter 4Intel® Smart Response TechnologyIntel® Smart Response Technology boosts overall system performance. It uses an installed fast

4-18Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Select Disable Acceleration to disable this function, and select Change Mode to switch acceleration mode to En

ASUS P8C WS4-19Chapter 4Right click the New Volume that you want to shrink from, and select Shrink Volume. If your SSD is not initialized and

4-20Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4To launch the disk partitioning tool, click Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt tool.Type

ASUS P8C WS4-21Chapter 4Type set id=84 override, press Enter, and wait for the “shrinking process” until the Disk Management utility identies a new p

4-22Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Recovering the partitionThis procedure allows you to delete the Intel® Rapid Start Technology from your system

ASUS P8C WS4-23Chapter 4Type list partition, press Enter, and select the partition where the Intel® Rapid Start Technology is installed by typing

4-24Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4Click Next after selecting the default selected disk. Extend volume setup is completed. Click Finish

ASUS P8C WS4-25Chapter 4Select all and click Next for Custom Setup. Click Install to proceed the installation.Click Yes to restart your sy

ASUS P8C WS1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® P8C WS motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, m

4-26Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 4To disable the updating function, click Disable Updating. Clicking this button automatically disables the con

ASUS P8C WS4-27Chapter 44.6 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing a Windows® operating system on a

4-28Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 44.6.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows® OS installationTo install the RAID driver in Windows® XP:1.

ASUS P8C WS4-29Chapter 44.6.4 Using a USB oppy disk driveDue to OS limitation, Windows® XP may not recognize the USB oppy disk drive when you insta

4-30Chapter 4: Software supportChapter 48. Find the [HardwareIds.scsi.iaAHCI_DesktopWorkstationServer] and [HardwareIds.scsi.iaStor_DesktopWorkstatio

ASUS P8C WS 5-1Chapter 55.1 AMD® CrossFireX™ technologyThe motherboard supports the AMD® CrossFireX™ technology that allows you to install multi-g

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

ASUS P8C WS 5-3Chapter 52. The VISION Engine Control Center Setup Assistant appears when the system detects the existance of multi-graphics cards. Cl

5-4 Chapter 5: Multiple GPU technology supportChapter 5

ASUS contact informationASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Address 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259Telephone +886-2-2894-3447Fax +886-2-2890-

1-2Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 11.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsGreen ASUS This motherboard complies with the European Union

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

ASUS P8C WS1-3Chapter 1Complete USB 3.0 IntegrationThis motherboard offers you the strategic USB 3.0 accessibility for both the front and rear panels,

1-4Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1Quick GateQuick Gate is a vertical USB connector on the motherboard that allows you to install USB devices

ASUS P8C WS1-5Chapter 1ASUS Fanless Design—Heat-pipe solutionThe aesthetically-designed crystal-shaped heatsink features the 0-dB thermal solution for

1-6Chapter 1: Product IntroductionChapter 1ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS le from a USB storage de

ASUS P8C WS2-12.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settin

iiE7435Revised Edition V2 May 2012Copyright © 2012 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and softwa

2-2Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Refer to 2.2.8 Internal connectors and 2.3.10 Rear panel connection for more information about rear panel c

ASUS P8C WS2-3Chapter 2Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Switches/Slots Page1. LGA1155 CPU Socket 2-42. Power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EA

2-4Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.2 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1155 socket designed for

ASUS P8C WS2-5Chapter 2Recommended memory congurations2.2.3 System memoryThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memor

2-6Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Memory congurationsYou may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM s

ASUS P8C WS2-7Chapter 22.2.4 Expansion slotsEnsure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you

2-8Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2IRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HPCIEx16_1 shared – – – – – – –PCIEx16_2 shared – – – – –

ASUS P8C WS2-9Chapter 22.2.5 Onboard buttons and switchesOnboard buttons and switches enhance overclocking and gaming performance when working on a b

2-10Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. GPU Boost switchTurning this switch to Enable will automatically optimize the system for fast, yet sta

ASUS P8C WS2-11Chapter 23. MemOK! buttonWhen you install DIMMs that are not compatible with the motherboard, this may cause the system boot failure,

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety i

2-12Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.2.6 Onboard LEDs1. POST State LEDsThe POST State LEDs indicate the status of these key components duri

ASUS P8C WS2-13Chapter 23. EPU LEDThe EPU LED lights up when the EPU switch is turned to Enable.4. Standby power LEDThe motherboard comes with a sta

2-14Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 25. DRAM LEDThe DRAM_LED lights up when the installed DIMMs incompatible with the motherboard or improperl

ASUS P8C WS2-15Chapter 22.2.7 Jumper1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can cle

2-16Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Chassis Fan control setting (3-pin CHAFAN_SEL)These jumpers allow you to switch for fan pin selection.

ASUS P8C WS2-17Chapter 22.2.8 Internal connectors1. Intel® C216 Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1-2 [gray])These connectors connect to

2-18Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22. Intel® C216 Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA3G_3–6 [blue])These connectors connect to Serial

ASUS P8C WS2-19Chapter 2You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to

2-20Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 24. USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12)This connector is for the additional USB 3.0 ports, and complies w

ASUS P8C WS2-21Chapter 26. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for an IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable

ivContentsChapter 3: BIOS setup3.1 Knowing BIOS ... 3-13.2

2-22Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 28. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-3, 3-pin PWR_FAN)Connect the fan

ASUS P8C WS2-23Chapter 29. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that suppo

2-24Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 211. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which c

ASUS P8C WS2-25Chapter 2Code 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 Pr

2-26Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 212. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs.

ASUS P8C WS2-27Chapter 2• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this

2-28Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3 Building your computer system2.3.1 Additional tools and components to build a PC system1 bag of scre

ASUS P8C WS2-29Chapter 2AB1232.3.2 CPU installation

2-30Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2CBA564

ASUS P8C WS2-31Chapter 22.3.3 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installationApply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you i

v4.3.1 EPU ... 4-44.3.2 FAN Xpert...

2-32Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly2ABBA1

ASUS P8C WS2-33Chapter 2123To remove a DIMM2.3.4 DIMM installationBA

2-34Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.5 Motherboard installation21The diagrams in this section are for reference only. The motherboard layo

ASUS P8C WS2-35Chapter 2DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.3

2-36Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.6 ATX Power connection1OR2

ASUS P8C WS2-37Chapter 22.3.7 SATA device connectionOR2OR1

2-38Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.8 Front I/O ConnectorIDE_LEDPOWER SWRESET SWIDE_LED-IDE_LED+PWRResetGroundGround2USB 2.01USB 3.0To in

ASUS P8C WS2-39Chapter 22.3.9 Expansion Card installationTo install PCIe x16 cardsTo install PCIe x1 cards To install PCI cards

2-40Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.3.10 Rear panel connectionRear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse and keyboard port 7. USB 2.0 ports 7 and

ASUS P8C WS2-41Chapter 2**Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPort H e a d s e t 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue Line In Line In

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

2-42Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 2Connect to Headphone and MicConnect to Stereo SpeakersConnect to 2.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 4.1 channe

ASUS P8C WS2-43Chapter 2Connect to 5.1 channel SpeakersConnect to 7.1 channel Speakers

2-44Chapter 2: Hardware informationChapter 22.4 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2.

ASUS P8C WS3-1Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.1 Knowing BIOSThe new ASUS UEFI BIOS is a Unied Extensible Interface that complies with UEFI architec

3-2Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.2.1 EZ ModeBy default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you

ASUS P8C WS3-3Chapter 33.2.2 Advanced ModeThe Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to congure the BIOS settings. The g

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

ASUS P8C WS3-5Chapter 33.3 Main menuThe Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides y

3-6Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Administrator PasswordIf you have set an administrator password, we recommend that you enter the administrator passwo

ASUS P8C WS3-7Chapter 3User PasswordIf you have set a user password, you must enter the user password for accessing the system. The User Password item

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

3-8Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.4 Ai Tweaker menuThe Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Be cautious when chang

ASUS P8C WS3-9Chapter 3Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal frequency. Selec

3-10Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Primary Timings DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [3 DRAM Clock] – [15 DRAM Clock]DRAM RAS# to CA

ASUS P8C WS3-11Chapter 3tRWDR (DD) [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [6 DRAM Clock]tRWSR [Auto]Conguration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM

3-12Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Long Duration Maintained [Auto]Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.Short Duration Power Limit [

ASUS P8C WS3-13Chapter 3According to Intel CPU spec, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.5V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend you install

3-14Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to mal

ASUS P8C WS3-15Chapter 33.5.2 CPU CongurationThe items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.The items s

3-16Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Execute Disable Bit [Enabled][Disabled] Forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).[Enabled] Enables t

ASUS P8C WS3-17Chapter 33.5.3 PCH CongurationHigh Precision Timer [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the High Precision Event Timer. Congurat

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

3-18Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.4 SATA CongurationWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. The SATA

ASUS P8C WS3-19Chapter 3SATA Mode Selection [AHCI]Allows you to set the SATA conguration.[IDE] Set to [IDE] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard

3-20Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.5 System Agent CongurationMemory Remap Feature [Enabled]Allows you to enable remapping the memory above 4GB.[E

ASUS P8C WS3-21Chapter 33.5.6 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to change the USB-related features.The USB Devices item shows the auto

3-22Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.7 Onboard Devices CongurationHD Audio Controller [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the controller.[Enabled] Enabl

ASUS P8C WS3-23Chapter 3Intel LAN1 OPROM [Disabled]This item appears only when you set the previous item to [Enabled] and allows you to enable or disa

3-24Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.5.8 APMErP Ready [Disabled]This item allows user to switch off some power at S5 to get the system ready for ErP r

ASUS P8C WS3-25Chapter 33.5.9 Network StackNetwork Stack [Disable Link]This item allows user to disable or enable the UEFI network stack. Conguratio

3-26Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.6 Monitor menuThe Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan set

ASUS P8C WS3-27Chapter 3CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled][Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature

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

3-28Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3Chassis Fan Speed Low Limit [600 RPM]This item appears only when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature and al

ASUS P8C WS3-29Chapter 33.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.Scroll down to display the following items:Bootu

3-30Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3PCI ROM Priority [Legacy ROM][Legacy ROM] Launch Legacy ROM [EFI Compatibe ROM] Launch UEFI Compatible ROMOptio

ASUS P8C WS3-31Chapter 33.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter&g

3-32Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!• We recommend t

ASUS P8C WS3-33Chapter 33.9 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your ch

3-34Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 33.10 Updating BIOSThe ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability,

ASUS P8C WS3-35Chapter 3Updating the BIOS through the Internet2. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc. If you want to enabl

3-36Chapter 3: BIOS setupChapter 3• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual BIOS information vary by models.• Refer to th

ASUS P8C WS3-37Chapter 33.10.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use a bootable opp