E5073 P7P55-M
E5073 P7P55-M
E5073 P7P55-M
Motherboard
E5073
First Edition V1
October 2009
ii
Contents
Notices.......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information...................................................................................... vii
About this guide........................................................................................ viii
P7P55-M specifications summary.............................................................. ix
iii
Contents
1.12 Software support......................................................................... 1-30
1.12.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-30
1.12.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-30
iv
Contents
2.7.2 Boot Settings Configuration........................................... 2-22
2.7.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-23
2.8 Tools menu.................................................................................. 2-25
2.8.1 ASUS O.C. Profile.......................................................... 2-25
2.8.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-26
2.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2........................................................... 2-26
2.8.4 Express Gate................................................................. 2-26
2.9 Exit menu..................................................................................... 2-27
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.
REACH
Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.
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.
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.
• The optical S/PDIF is an optional component (may or may not be included in your
motherboard) and is defined as a CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT.
• Never dispose of the battery in fire. It could explode and release harmful substances into
the environment.
• Never dispose of the battery with your regular household waste. Take it to a hazardous
material collection point.
• Never replace the battery with an incorrect battery type.
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 that 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.
This motherboard should only be used in environments with ambient temperatures between
5ºC (41ºF) and 40ºC (104ºF).
vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the
motherboard.
viii
P7P55-M specifications summary
CPU LGA1156 socket for Intel® Core™ i7/ Core™ i5 processors
Supports Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list.
Chipset Intel® P55 Express Chipset
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 16GB unbuffered
non-ECC DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/
1800(O.C.)/1600/1333 /1066MHz memory modules
* Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less
than 3GB. We recommend a maximum of 3GB system
memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit operating
system.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ 2.0 x1 slots
1 x PCI slot
Storage Intel® P55 Express Chipset:
- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
- Intel® Matrix Storage supporting SATA RAID 0,1, 5,
and 10
VIA® VT6415 PATA controller:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 connector
LAN Realtek® RTL8112L Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET2
Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
- Optical S/PDIF out port at back I/O
- Supports Jack-detection, Multi-streaming, and Front
Panel Jack-Retasking technologies
IEEE 1394 JMB381 controller supports 1 x IEEE1394 port at back panel.
USB Supports up to 14 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-board,
8 ports at the back panel)
ASUS unique ASUS Turbo Key
features ASUS TurboV
ASUS EPU
ASUS Express Gate
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
ix
P7P55-M specifications summary
ASUS exclusive SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
overclocking features - Internal Base Clock tuning from 133 MHz up to 500MHz
at 1MHz increment
- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz up to
160MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R.(CPU Parameter Recall)
Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x COM port
1 x IEEE1394
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
8 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports
Internal I/O 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1
connectors ports
1 x IDE connector
6 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU fan/1 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x LPT connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
BIOS 16 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a
Accessories 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
2 x Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s cables
1 x I/O shield
1 x User Manual
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor microATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.6 in (24.4 cm x 21.8 cm)
Chapter 1
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P7P55-M 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.
ASUS TurboV
Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC-now a reality with the ASUS
TurboV. This easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or
rebooting the OS; and its user-friendly interface makes overclock with just
a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC profiles in TurboV provides
the best O.C. settings in different scenarios.
• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and flash
drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or
flash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the
computer.
• ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB
drives. It supports file downloading to USB drives only.
• ASUS Express Gate complies with the OpenGL standard. Refer to support.asus.com
for Express Gate source codes.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color
boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using an OS-based utility.
ASUS AI NET2
ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after
turning on the system, and any faulty cable connections are reported
back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line
with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable
products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the
impact on the environment.
• 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.
• 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.
Onboard LED
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 must 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.
SB_PWR
P7P55-M
ON OFF
Standby Power Powered Off
Ensure that you unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
P7P55-M
KBPWR CHA_FAN
KB_USB78 USBPW1-8
CPU_FAN
ATX12V
COM1
EATXPWR
LGA1156
F_USB34
24.4cm(9.6in)
LAN1_USB12
AUDIO
PRI_EIDE
9LRS954
7
ICS
PCIEX16
P7P55-M
RTL
8112L
JMB
PCIEX1_1 381
Intel®
Super
I/O P55
SATA1 SATA2
PCIEX1_2 Lithium Cell SATA3 SATA4
CMOS Power
16Mb
BIOS CLRTC
VIA PCI1 8
VT1708
SATA5 SATA6
15 14 13 12 11 10 1 9
• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the
socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing,
or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.
ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the
LGA1156 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from
incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect removal of the PnP
cap.
P7P55-M
2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), Load lever
and then move it to the right (B) until it is
released from the retention tab. A
Retention tab
Load plate
Alignment keys
• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only Intel®‑certified
multi‑directional heatsink and fan.
• Your Intel® LGA1156 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and
requires no tool to install.
• Use an LGA1156-compatible CPU heatsink and fan assembly only. The LGA1156 socket
is incompatible with the LGA775 and LGA1366 sockets in size and dimension.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you have
properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install
the heatsink and fan assembly.
Ensure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU
fan and heatsink assembly.
A B
1
B A
The type of CPU heatsink and fan assembly may differ, but the installation steps and
functions should remain the same. The illustration above is for reference only.
CPU_FAN
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
A
A B B
B
A
B A
DIMM_B2
DIMM_B1
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
P7P55-M
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. 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.
• Due to Intel spec definition, X.M.P. DIMMs are supported for one DIMM per channel
only.
• According to Intel CPU spec, DIMM voltage below 1.65V is recommended to protect the
CPU.
• According to Intel CPU spec, CPUs with a core frequency of 2.66G support the
maximum DIMM frequency of up to DDR3-1333. To use DIMMs of a higher frequency
with a 2.66G CPU, enable the DRAM O.C. Profile feature in BIOS. Refer to section 2.4
Ai Tweaker menu for details.
• 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.
• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.
• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a
higher frequency, refer to section 2.4 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.
• For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full
memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.
DDR3-1600MHz capability
Timing DIMM Support
SS/
Vendor Part No. Size Brand Chip NO. DIMM Voltage
DS A* B* C*
(BIOS)
A-Data AD31600E002GU 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85V • • •
A-Data AD31600X002GMU 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85V • • •
Corsair CM3X1G1600C9DHX 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.8V • •
Corsair CM3X2G1600C9DHX 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.80V • • •
Corsair CM3X2G1600C9DHX 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package •
Corsair TR3X6G1600C8 G(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package • • •
Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
Corsair TR3X6G1600C9 G(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.65V • • •
Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D G(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.65V • • •
Crucial BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 1.8V • • •
Crucial BL12864BE2009.8SFB3(EPP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-28 2.0V • • •
Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package • • •
Crucial BL25664TB1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •
Crucial BL25664TG1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •
Crucial BL25664TR1608.K16SF(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-24 • • •
Timing DIMM
SS/ Support
Vendor Part No. Size Brand Chip NO. DIMM Voltage
DS (BIOS) A* B* C*
Crucial BL25664ABA1336.16SFB1 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-20 1.8V • •
Crucial BL25664BA1336.16SFB1 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-20 1.8V • • •
Crucial BL25664BN1337.16FF 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-24 1.65V • • •
(XMP)
Crucial CT25664BA1339.16SFD 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS Micron 8UD22D9JNM 9 • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBPK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-3GBPK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.5~1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI 1024MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • • •
G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ 1024MB DS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • • •
G.SkiLL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK 4096MB(Kit of 2 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 1.5~1.6V • • •
G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • • •
GEIL DDR3-1333 CL9-9-9-24 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 • • •
GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-24 1.5V • • •
GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3V(low • • •
voltage)
GEIL DDR3-1333 CL9-9-9-24 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9 1.5V • • •
Kingmax FLFD45F-B8MF9 1024MB SS Micron 8HD22D9JNM • •
Kingmax FLFD45F-B8MH9 MAES 1024MB SS Micron 9CF22D9KPT • • •
Kingmax FLFE85F-B8MF9 2048MB DS Micron 8HD22D9JNM • •
Kingmax FLFE85F-B8MH9 MEES 2048MB DS Micron 9GF27D9KPT • • •
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/1G 1024MB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9 1.5V • • •
Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G 2048MB DS Qimonda IDSH1G-03A1F1C-13H 1.5V • • •
Micron MT8JTF12864AY-1G4D1 1024MB SS Micron 8LD22D9JNM • • •
Micron MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1024MB SS Micron 9FF22D9KPT 9 • • •
Micron MT9JSF 12872AZ-1G4F1 1024MB SS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 • • •
Micron MT8JTF12864AY-1G4D1 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS Micron 8XD22D9JNM 9 • • •
Micron MT12JSF25672AZ-1G4F1 2048MB DS Micron 91F22D9KPT(ECC) 9 • • •
Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2048MB DS Micron 8LD22 D9JNM • •
Micron MT18JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2048MB DS Micron 9KF27D9KPT 9 • • •
Micron MT16JTF25664AY-1G4D1 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS Micron 8UD22D9JNM 9 • •
OCZ OCZ3P13332GK 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 1.8V • •
OCZ OCZ3X1333LV3GK(XMP) 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.6V • •
OCZ OCZ3G13334GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.7V • • •
OCZ OCZ3RPX1333EB4GK 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 6-5-5-20 1.85V • • •
OCZ OCZ3X13334GK(XMP) 4096MB(Kit of 2) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 1.75V • • •
OCZ OCZ3G1333LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-20 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3P1333LV6GK 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-20 1.65V • • •
OCZ OCZ3X1333LV6GK(XMP) 6144MB(Kit of 3 ) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-20 1.60V • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung SEC 846 HCH9 K4B1G08460 • • •
SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9 K4B1G0846E • • •
SAMSUNG M391B2873DZ1-CH9 1024MB SS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9(ECC) • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9 • • •
SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung SEC 913 HCH9 K4B1G0846E • • •
Timing DIMM
SS/ Support
Vendor Part No. Size Brand Chip NO. DIMM Voltage
DS (BIOS) A* B* C*
SAMSUNG M391B5673DZ1-CH9 2048MB DS Samsung K4B1G0846D-HCH9(ECC) • • •
Super Talent W1333X2GB8 1024MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package • • •
Transcend TS128MLK64V3U 1024MB SS N/A SEC 813HCH9 K4B1G0846D • •
Transcend TS128MLK72V3U 1024MB SS N/A K4B1G0846D(ECC) • • •
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2048MB DS Micron 9GF27D9KPT • • •
Transcend TS256MLK64V3U 2048MB DS N/A SEC816HCH9K4B1G0846D • • •
Kingtiger 2GB DIMM PC3-10666 2048MB DS Samsung SEC 904 HCH9 K4B1G0846D • • •
Kingtiger KTG2G1333PG3 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package • • •
SS - Single-sided / DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:
• A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory configuration.
• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue or black slots as one pair
of Dual-channel memory configuration.
• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the blue and black slots as two pairs of
Dual-channel memory configuration.
• According to Intel spec definition, DDR3-1600 is supported for one DIMM per channel
only. ASUS exclusively provides two DDR3-1600 DIMM support for each memory
channel.
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components.
Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.
2
To install a DIMM:
DIMM notch
1. Press the retaining clips outward to
unlock a DIMM socket.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the 1
break on the socket.
A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into
a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
DIMM notch
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may
cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that
the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI
groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.
CLRTC
1 2 2 3
P7P55-M
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 CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. Shut
down and reboot the system, then the BIOS automatically resets parameter settings to
default values.
• Due to the chipset limitation, AC power off is required before you use the C.P.R.
function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord
before rebooting the system.
KBPWR
1 2 2 3
+5V +5VSB
(Default)
P7P55-M
USBPW1-8
1 2 2 3
+5V +5VSB
(Default)
USBPW9-14
P7P55-M
1 2 2 3
+5V +5VSB
(Default)
• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on
the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system would not power up.
• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB)
whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.
14 13 12 11 10 9
1. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard / mouse.
2. Serial port. This 9-pin COM port is for serial devices.
3. IEEE1394 port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/
video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices.
4. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
LAN port LED indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED LED LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection
LAN port
5. Center / Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers.
6. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel,
6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.
7. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio
sources.
8. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-
channel, and 8-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker
Out.
9. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speaker in an 8-channel
audio configuration.
Refer to the audio configuration table on the next page for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.
11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
12. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
13. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
14. USB 2.0 ports 7 and 8. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
SENSE2_RETUR
PRESENCE#
AGND
GND
NC
NC
NC
AAFP
PIN 1 PIN 1
PORT1 L
PORT1 R
PORT2 R
SENSE_SEND
PORT2 L
MIC2
MICPWR
Line out_R
NC
Line out_L
P7P55-M
• 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 Audio]. 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 Audio]. See section 2.5.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for
details.
• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA
cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.
• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.
PRI_EIDE
PIN1
P7P55-M
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” ensure that all other device jumpers have the
same setting.
+12V DC
+12V DC
+3 Volts GND
+12 Volts +5 Volts
+12 Volts +5 Volts
+5V Standby +5 Volts
Power OK -5 Volts
PIN 1 GND GND
+5 Volts GND
GND
GND
GND GND
P7P55-M +5 Volts PSON#
GND GND
+3 Volts -12 Volts
+3 Volts +3 Volts
PIN 1
• 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 400 W.
• DO NOT forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the system will
not boot up.
• 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.
P7P55-M
SPDIF_OUT
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!
CHA_FAN CPU_FAN
P7P55-M
Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-FAN feature.
USB_P12+
USB_P10+
USB_P14-
USB_P12-
USB_P10-
USB+5V
USB+5V
USB+5V
GND
GND
GND
NC
NC
NC
USB+5V
USB_P11-
USB_P11+
GND
USB+5V
USB_P9-
USB_P9+
GND
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
RSATA_RXN1
RSATA_RXN2
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXP2
RSATA_TXN1
RSATA_TXN2
RSATA_TXP1
RSATA_TXP2
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
SATA3 SATA4
RSATA_RXN3
RSATA_RXN4
RSATA_RXP3
RSATA_RXP4
RSATA_TXN3
RSATA_TXN4
RSATA_TXP3
RSATA_TXP4
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
SATA5 SATA6
RSATA_RXN5
RSATA_RXN6
RSATA_RXP5
RSATA_RXP6
RSATA_TXN5
RSATA_TXN6
RSATA_TXP5
RSATA_TXP6
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
P7P55-M
• These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard IDE mode, you
can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you intend to
create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the Configure SATA as item
in the BIOS to [RAID].
• Before creating a RAID set, refer to the RAID Supplementary Guide included in the
folder named Manual in the support DVD.
• You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial ATA
hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10) is available only if
you are using Windows® XP SP2 or later version.
• When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the Configure SATA as item in the BIOS to [AHCI].
See section Storage Configuration for details.
LPT
SLIN#
ERR#
INIT#
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
GND
AFD
P7P55-M
PIN 1
STB#
PD0
PD1
PD2
PD3
PD4
PD5
PD6
PD7
ACK#
BUSY
PE
SLCT
PLED SPEAKER
Speaker
Ground
Ground
PLED+
PLED-
+5V
PANEL
PIN 1
IDE_LED+
IDE_LED-
PWR
Ground
Reset
Ground
P7P55-M
• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for
detailed information.
• Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista
Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and
system stability.
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.
Click an icon to
display Support DVD/
motherboard information
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.
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
utility.
• This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update
the utility to avail all its features.
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit
• Only a USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support the ASUS
EZ Flash 2 utility.
• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot
failure!
• Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into
P7P55M.ROM.
• The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version. Download the latest
BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
• The removable device that ASUS CrashFree BIOS support vary with motherboard
models. For motherboards without the floppy connector, prepare a USB flash disk before
using this utility.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause
system boot failure!
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select
the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.9 Exit Menu for
details.
The succeeding utility screens are for reference only. The actual utility screen displays may
not be same as shown.
• 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.
SATA:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
CDROM:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
USB:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Network:XXXXXXXXXXXXX
3. When the Make Disk menu appears, select the FreeDOS command prompt item by
pressing the item number.
4. At the FreeDOS prompt, type d: and press <Enter> to switch the disk from
Drive C (optical drive) to Drive D (USB flash drive).
Ensure that the USB flash drive is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space
to save the file.
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.
Note
Saving BIOS:
D:\>bupdater /pc /g
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [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.
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 Setup Defaults item under the Exit BIOS menu. See section 2.9 Exit
menu for details.
• Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have
disconnected them.
Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force
reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We
recommend to always shut down the system properly from the operating system.
• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure
optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS
settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the
Load Setups Default item under the Exit Menu. See section 2.9 Exit Menu.
• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may
not exactly match what you see on your screen.
• Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard.
This item does not appear if you select SATA 5/6 devices.
Due to Intel chipset driver support regulation, the AHCI mode is not supported in Windows
XP environment. The AHCI mode is only supported by Windows Vista with OS built-in
driver.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
The configuration options for the following sub-items vary depending on the DIMMs you
install on the motherboard.
To obtain the best performance of the X.M.P. DIMM or 1600MHz DIMM, install only one
DIMM on each memory channel.
The DRAM Frequency configuration options vary with the BCLK Frequency item settings.
Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting.
The configuration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs
you install on the motherboard.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU vCore voltage. Setting a high
voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system
unstable.
• The values of the IMC Voltage, DRAM Voltage, and CPU PLL 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.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field
values can cause the system to malfunction.
Configure CPU.
CPU Configuration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Configuration
USB Configuration
PCIPnP
If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS, then the actual and set values may differ.
The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® CPU that supports the
Enhanced Intel® SpeedStep® Technology (EIST).
The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no
USB device is detected, the item shows None.
The following items may only appear when a USB storage device is plugged.
Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values
can cause the system to malfunction.
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor
2.7.3 Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item
on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item
shows Installed.
To set a Supervisor Password:
1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.
2. On the password box, key in a password containing up to six letters, or numbers, or
both, then press <Enter>.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps in setting a supervisor password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press
<Enter> twice. The message Password uninstalled appears.
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock
(RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change
other security settings.
User Access Level [Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]
[No Access] - prevents user access to the Setup utility.
[View Only] - allows access but does not allow change to any field.
[Limited] - allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
[Full Access] - allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Express Gate [Auto]
Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]
Reset User Data [No]
Note
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit
• This function can support devices such as a USB flash disk with FAT32/16 format and
single partition only.
• 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.
The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after
clearing its settings.
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this
menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.